Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is best placed in the midground or background depending on the tank size. Attach it to wood or rocks, ensuring the rhizome is exposed to the water flow. Do not plant it directly into the substrate.

Botanical form

Rhizome

It produces distinct, somewhat arrow-shaped or heart-shaped leaves with a lighter green coloration. The long petioles emerge from a sturdy creeping rhizome. It provides a unique leaf shape compared to typical Anubias.

Growth

Very slow

The growth rate is notoriously slow, making it easy to manage. It will slowly develop a creeping habit over months and years. CO2 injection is optional and only marginally increases growth.

Substrate

None

Anubias gilletii shares the classic epiphytic requirements of its genus, thriving best when entirely decoupled from traditional planted aquarium substrates. Its rhizome should be situated openly on hard surfaces like driftwood branches or lava rocks, allowing water to flow freely around its core. While mature roots may eventually plunge into the substrate to provide extra structural support for its long petioles, they do not participate meaningfully in nutrient uptake. Consequently, it requires no specific substrate depth or composition, provided the water column contains adequate dissolved fertilization.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Water column dosing is the most effective way to feed this plant. Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer sparingly to avoid algae blooms. Potassium is particularly useful for preventing pinholes in leaves.

Root fertilization

None

It does not benefit from root fertilizers since it is a true epiphyte. Its robust roots are designed for clinging to surfaces, not absorbing soil nutrients. Save your root tabs for substrate-rooted plants.

Trimming

Occasional

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only the occasional removal of old or damaged foliage. Cut the leaf stems close to the rhizome to keep the plant tidy. Ensure the rhizome is not damaged during pruning.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Propagation is easily achieved by rhizome division using a sharp blade. Each divided piece must retain a few leaves and healthy roots to survive. Attach them to new hardscape to establish new plants.

Sensitivity

Moderate

Like other Anubias, it is very prone to algae growth on its leaves in brightly lit tanks. Shaded areas are highly recommended. It will quickly rot if the rhizome is suffocated by substrate.

Layout role

Midground, Background

The unique leaf shape adds interesting textural variety to the midground of aquascapes. It contrasts nicely with standard round or oval-leaved plants. It is excellent for creating a natural, wild-looking environment.