Anubias gigantea

Giant Anubias is an exceptionally hardy and large aquatic plant, making it a perfect, low-maintenance choice for beginners with bigger freshwater aquariums. This plant is remarkably forgiving and can adapt to a wide variety of water conditions, thriving in both soft and hard water. It does not demand strong lighting, preferring shaded or moderately lit areas, which also helps to prevent algae from growing on its leaves. One of the best features for busy or new aquarists is that it grows very slowly, meaning you won't need to trim it often. Plus, you don't need any special equipment like a CO₂ injector for it to grow well. The most important thing to remember is how to plant it: the thick, horizontal stem-like part, known as the rhizome, must not be buried under gravel or sand. Instead, you should attach the plant to a piece of driftwood or a rock using fishing line or aquarium-safe glue. Burying the rhizome will cause it to rot and the plant will die. Its large size makes it an excellent choice for filling in the background of a tank.

Anubias gigantea, commonly known as Giant Anubias, is a robust and highly adaptable specimen plant valued in the aquarium hobby for its impressive stature and minimal care requirements. Native to West Africa, it is well-suited for larger freshwater tanks where its significant height can create a dramatic background. Its growth is exceptionally slow, a trait that translates to very low maintenance, as frequent pruning is unnecessary. This slow development, however, means new leaves are susceptible to algae if placed under intense illumination; it thrives best in low to medium lighting conditions. This species is an epiphyte, meaning in nature it grows attached to surfaces like rocks and fallen trees rather than in the soil. Consequently, in an aquarium, its thick rhizome must be kept above the substrate to prevent rot. The preferred method of planting is to affix it to hardscape elements such as driftwood or stone with thread, fishing line, or cyanoacrylate glue until its roots have firmly taken hold. Anubias gigantea demonstrates remarkable tolerance for a broad range of water parameters. It flourishes in both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline water and shows no preference for water hardness, making it compatible with most tap water sources without the need for extensive modification. It also prefers calmer water, so it should be placed away from the direct output of powerful filters. As a low-energy plant, it has minimal demands for nutrients and does not require supplemental CO₂ injection, absorbing what it needs from the water column. While its contribution to oxygenation and nutrient absorption is modest, it provides excellent structural enrichment to an aquascape, offering shelter and security for tank inhabitants.

Anubias gigantea is a perennial, flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family, a group commonly known as aroids. Its native habitat consists of the shaded banks of fast-flowing rivers and streams in West Africa, which informs its ecological preferences in cultivation. Classified by the IUCN as a species of Least Concern, it maintains stable populations in its natural range. Morphologically, A. gigantea is characterized by a thick, creeping rhizome that can grow several centimeters in diameter. This rhizome serves as a nutrient storage organ and anchors the plant to hard surfaces (rheophytic behavior). From the rhizome emerge long, robust petioles supporting large, tough, leathery leaves that are typically sagittate (arrowhead-shaped) in mature specimens. This leaf texture is an effective deterrent against most herbivorous fauna. Physiologically, like many in its genus, A. gigantea is adapted to environments with variable resource availability. Its slow growth rate is a strategy for conserving energy in nutrient-poor and light-limited conditions. It exhibits a low metabolic rate, resulting in minimal oxygen production and nutrient uptake from the water column. This species can perform Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), allowing it to fix atmospheric or dissolved CO₂ during the night. This adaptation makes it highly efficient in low-CO₂ environments and explains its ability to thrive without supplemental carbon injection. In its natural, often emersed or semi-emersed state, it can produce a characteristic aroid inflorescence consisting of a spathe and spadix, though this is a rare event in a fully submersed aquarium setting.

Propagating the Giant Anubias is a very easy and reliable process, suitable for aquarists of any skill level. The plant reproduces asexually through vegetative division of its rhizome. While this species can flower and produce seeds, particularly when grown emersed, this method of sexual reproduction is impractical and exceedingly rare in a standard aquarium, making rhizome division the sole method for hobbyists. To propagate the plant, use a sharp, sterilized knife or pair of scissors to cut the main rhizome into smaller sections. It is crucial to ensure that each new division has a healthy portion of the rhizome and, ideally, at least three to five leaves to support its recovery and growth. A clean cut is vital to minimize the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Successful propagation does not require specialized environmental conditions; the new cuttings will thrive in the same parameters as the parent plant, including warm water, gentle flow, and low to medium lighting. No additional fertilizers or CO₂ are needed. The new divisions must be attached to hardscape, such as a rock or piece of driftwood. Use cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate glue to secure the plant, making sure the rhizome itself is not covered by substrate. Burying the rhizome will lead to decay. Following division, the new plants will establish themselves slowly. Be patient, as new leaf or root growth may not be visible for several weeks. Avoid dividing the rhizome into excessively small pieces, as this can inhibit their ability to recover. Monitor the cut ends for any signs of rot, which can be trimmed off if it appears, to ensure the long-term health of your new Anubias plants.