Description
Anubias Angustifolia
Overview
Anubias angustifolia, also known as Anubias barteri var. angustifolia or “narrow-leaf Anubias,” is a hardy, slow-growing aquatic plant popular in the aquarium trade. Native to West Africa, it features long, slender, dark green leaves that add an elegant, natural aesthetic to aquariums. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. The plant thrives in a variety of conditions, including low light and minimal care, and is often used in freshwater tanks, aquascapes, and setups with fish.
Tissue culture plants are grown in vitro from a state of the art laboratory specialized in propagating aquatic plants. This means you can enjoy strong and healthy plants free from pests and diseases from the start.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Low to moderate (0.5–2 watts per gallon or 5–20 µmol PAR). Excessive light can cause algae growth on leaves.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
Substrate: Not required, as Anubias angustifolia grows best attached to hardscape (driftwood, rocks) or left free-floating. Avoid burying the rhizome to prevent rot.
Nutrients: Minimal fertilization needed. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs can be used sparingly for optimal growth.
CO2: Not necessary, though low CO2 injection (5–10 ppm) can promote slightly faster growth.
Tank Requirements: Suitable for small to large tanks (20 litres and up) due to its compact size (15–30 cm tall).
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Attach the plant to driftwood, rocks, or decor using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue. Ensure the rhizome (horizontal stem) remains exposed to water flow. Do not plant the rhizome in substrate, as this can lead to rot.
Propagation: Propagate by dividing the rhizome. Use a clean, sharp blade to cut a section with at least 3–4 leaves and some roots. Attach the new section to a hard surface. Propagation is slow, as Anubias grows gradually (1–2 new leaves per month under ideal conditions).
Maintenance
- Pruning: Trim dead, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves with scissors to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
- Cleaning: Gently wipe leaves with a soft cloth or rinse under water to remove algae or debris. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (10–20% weekly) help maintain water quality and prevent nutrient buildup that promotes algae.
- Monitoring: Check for rhizome health; soft or mushy rhizomes indicate rot, often due to burial or poor water circulation.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Algae Growth: Common in high-light setups. Reduce light intensity or duration (6–8 hours daily) and maintain proper nutrient balance.
- Slow Growth: Normal for Anubias. Avoid over-fertilizing to speed growth, as it may harm the plant.
- Rhizome Rot: Prevent by ensuring the rhizome is not buried and has good water flow. Remove affected sections immediately.
- Pests: Rare, but snails or algae-eating fish may nibble leaves. Monitor tank mates and avoid species that damage plants (e.g., large cichlids).
Tip: Place Anubias in shaded areas or mid-to-background zones of the tank for best aesthetics and to minimize algae.
Recommendation
- Tank Compatibility: Ideal for low-tech setups, or aquariums with peaceful fish (e.g., tetras, guppies, bettas). Avoid aggressive or plant-eating species like goldfish or silver dollars.
- Placement: Use in midground or background for aquascaping. Pair with mosses or other low-light plants like Java fern for a lush look.
- Supplements: If growth is sluggish, use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., Seachem Flourish) sparingly, dosing per product instructions.
- Quarantine: Quarantine new plants for 1–2 weeks to prevent introducing pests or algae to the tank.
