Aponogeton madagascariensis is commonly known as Madagascar laceleaf, lattice leaf or lace plant.

The leaves spread horizontally beneath the surface of the water, and are little more than a lattice-like skeletal network of veins with no tissue between.

The flowers are produced on an erect spike up to 1 metre (39 in) long, protruding up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) above the water surface.

This is due to several factors: 1) it needs bright indoor light to thrive; this encourages the growth of algae on the lattice-like leaves; which is difficult to remove; 2) newly imported bulbs grow well in their first year, but often fail in their second year, apparently due to a lack of food storage in the bulbs (cause still unknown); 3) seeds may be produced, but often fail to germinate or thrive.

Some enthusiasts recommend strong water movement and a high filtration rate for this plant.