Aponogeton crispus is among the most valuable and beautiful aquarium plants. It has translucently bright to dark green leaves which reach a length of 30 cm. The blade is gently crispate - hence the scientific name crispus - and is carried on a 30-cm long petiole. Aponogeton crispus prefers a nutrient rich substrate with clay and it adapts quite easily to the environment in most aquaria. The inflorescence is an emergent spike with white or cream coloured flowers which can be artificially pollinated with a fine brush. Alternatively, Aponogeton crispus can be reproduced by dividing the tuberous rootstock.

In Nature the plant primarily grows in temporal ponds which dry out during the dry season and during this period the Aponogeton crispus lies dormant. However, the plant does not require such a dormancy period in the aquarium.