Anubias heterophylla

About This Species

Basic Description

Also known as Congo Anubias, this very hardy plant is perfect for beginners. It grows slowly, requiring minimal maintenance, and doesn't need special lighting or CO2. Simply attach it to driftwood or rocks in the middle of your aquarium for a beautiful, long-lasting green centerpiece. Its large, lance-shaped leaves add wonderful texture to any freshwater setup.

Detailed Description

Originating from Africa, Lance Leaf Anubias is a robust and highly adaptable plant well-suited for low-tech aquariums. Its extremely slow growth rate means it requires infrequent trimming and is less demanding of nutrients from the water column. This plant should be attached to hardscape elements like stone or wood, as burying its rhizome in the substrate will cause it to rot. It thrives under lower light conditions, which helps prevent algae from growing on its leaves. While its contribution to oxygenation and nutrient removal is modest, its resilience and striking appearance make it a popular choice for adding stable, long-term structure to the midground of an aquascape.

Scientific Description

Anubias heterophylla, a member of the Araceae family, is a monocotyledonous Tracheophyte from Africa. Its physiology is characterized by a slow metabolism, indicated by its slow growth rate and modest oxygen output and nutrient uptake. This species exhibits remarkable tolerance to a wide range of water parameters, including broad pH and hardness levels, and does not require carbonic acid supplementation. It is best suited for low-flow environments with low to medium irradiance. Its preferred epiphytic nature, attaching to hardscape rather than rooting in substrate, is a key characteristic for successful cultivation in a controlled aquatic environment.