Anubias minima

The Slender Anubias, officially known as Anubias minima, is a highly sought-after plant valued for its distinct, narrow leaves and exceptional adaptability in the aquarium. Originating from the slow-moving rivers and streams of West Africa, it has evolved to thrive in shaded environments, which translates to its forgiving nature in captivity. While it can survive in very low light, providing it with a low-to-medium intensity light source will promote more vibrant and robust, albeit still slow, growth. Its modest demands extend to nutrients and carbon dioxide; it does not require CO₂ supplementation and can flourish in a mature aquarium with a stable biological system without heavy fertilization. However, a comprehensive liquid fertilizer will be beneficial, supporting healthier long-term development.

A critical aspect of its care is proper placement and attachment. As a rhizomatous plant, its primary stem, the rhizome, functions as an energy storage organ and must not be buried under the substrate. Doing so will cut off its access to oxygen and light, inevitably leading to rot and the plant's death. Instead, the Slender Anubias should be affixed to hardscape elements such as driftwood or porous rock. This can be achieved using cyanoacrylate-based super glue, fishing line, or cotton thread (which will dissolve over time as the plant’s roots anchor themselves). Its slow growth rate is a double-edged sword; it means the plant requires minimal pruning, but its leaves can become a target for algae if nutrient imbalances or excessive lighting are present. To mitigate this, consider placing it in an area with slightly lower light or moderate water flow, and maintain stable water parameters. A healthy population of algae-eating invertebrates, such as Amano shrimp or various snail species, can also help keep its leaves clean and pristine.

Anubias minima is a perennial, flowering plant belonging to the family Araceae. This species is a rheophytic hydrophyte, adapted to living in the flowing waters of its native West African habitats. Its morphology is characteristic of its genus: a tough, creeping rhizome that grows horizontally, anchoring itself to hard surfaces like submerged rocks and logs via strong, grasping roots. From this rhizome, petioles emerge, supporting the lanceolate leaf blades that give the species its 'slender' common name. The leaves are durable and have a waxy cuticle, which provides resistance to herbivory and physical damage from currents.

Ecologically, Anubias minima occupies a niche in shaded forest streams and rivers where light and nutrient availability are often limited. This environmental pressure has driven its evolution towards a slow-growth strategy (K-strategist), conserving energy and resources. Its metabolic rate is correspondingly low, resulting in minimal oxygen production and nutrient uptake from the water column compared to faster-growing stem plants. This makes it a minor contributor to nutrient export and bioload reduction within a closed aquarium system. Its IUCN Red List status as 'Least Concern' (LC) indicates a widespread and stable wild population, which is beneficial for the long-term sustainability of its collection for the aquarium trade. Although primarily vegetative in an aquarium, it is capable of sexual reproduction. Like other aroids, it produces an inflorescence consisting of a spathe and spadix, which can occur even when fully submerged, though this is an infrequent event in typical aquarium conditions.

Propagating the Slender Anubias is a straightforward process that is considered very easy, making it accessible even for novice aquarists. The species primarily reproduces asexually through vegetative division of its rhizome. While sexual reproduction via flowering is biologically possible, it is an exceptionally rare occurrence in a home aquarium, so rhizome division is the only practical method for hobbyists.

To propagate the plant, begin with a healthy, mature specimen that has a long, well-developed rhizome with numerous leaves. Using a clean, sharp tool like a razor blade or aquascaping scissors, carefully cut the rhizome into two or more sections. It is crucial that each new division has at least three to four healthy leaves and, if possible, some attached roots. This ensures that the new plantlet has sufficient stored energy and anchoring potential to establish itself successfully. Avoid cutting the rhizome into pieces that are too small, as they may not have the reserves to survive the transition.

Environmental factors influencing successful propagation are consistent with the plant's general care. The new divisions are not demanding and do not require special conditions like high light or CO₂. However, placing them in a stable, mature aquarium with clean water will facilitate faster healing and new growth. After dividing the rhizome, attach each new piece to hardscape, such as a rock or piece of driftwood, using either cyanoacrylate glue or thread. Be certain that the rhizome itself is not buried in the substrate, as the cut ends are particularly susceptible to bacterial or fungal rot. New growth may be slow to appear for several weeks as the plant directs its energy toward healing the cut surface and developing new roots. As long as the existing leaves remain green and firm, the propagation has been successful.