Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Epiphyte

It is a large plant, best suited for the background of spacious aquariums. It must be attached to heavy rocks or large driftwood pieces. Never bury the rhizome in the gravel or soil.

Botanical form

Rosette

It features long, distinctive, spear-shaped leaves with long stalks. The rhizome is thick and the plant can reach a substantial size over time. The striking leaf shape is its most defining characteristic.

Growth

Slow

The growth rate is extremely slow, often producing only a few leaves a year. It requires almost no maintenance once established. CO2 is not necessary but can be used in the tank.

Substrate

Low

While sometimes classified as having low substrate demands, Anubias hastifolia performs infinitely better when treated as a true epiphyte mounted to hardscape. Its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves create significant drag in the water, necessitating a strong, gripping root system wrapped securely around wood or rock. If positioned near the substrate, the secondary roots may delve into coarse gravel or sand for physical anchoring, but the fleshy rhizome itself must remain strictly exposed. It does not exploit soil nutrients directly, making specialized aqua soils or deep beds completely unnecessary for its cultivation.

Column fertilization

Optional

It feeds mainly from the water column via its leaves and adventitious roots. Regular but sparse dosing of liquid fertilizers keeps it healthy. Potassium and trace elements are beneficial.

Root fertilization

None

Root tabs are not useful as the roots are meant for anchoring, not soil feeding. It relies entirely on nutrients dissolved in the water. Keep the roots exposed on the hardscape.

Trimming

Occasional

Trimming is only required when leaves become old, damaged, or algae-infested. Cut the long stalks near the rhizome using sharp scissors. Its slow growth means this is an infrequent task.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Propagation is done by slicing the thick rhizome into viable sections. Each piece should have healthy leaves and intact roots. Attach the new pieces to hardscape to start new plants.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is prone to spot algae on its slow-growing leaves if the lighting is too intense. It thrives best in partially shaded areas of the tank. The rhizome will quickly rot if buried.

Layout role

Midground

Its tall, spear-shaped leaves create strong vertical elements in the background. It is excellent for adding a jungle-like, wild appearance to large tanks. It provides great shelter for shy fish species.