Anubias lanceolata

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is an excellent midground to background plant. It must be attached to rocks or driftwood and never planted in the soil. The rhizome will rot if it is buried.

Botanical form

Rhizome

It features narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves on long stems. The thick rhizome creeps slowly along surfaces. Its slender leaves give it a very elegant and upright appearance.

Growth

Slow

Its growth rate is notoriously slow. It produces leaves very infrequently, making it a highly low-maintenance choice. It does not require CO2 injection to survive or grow.

Substrate

None

To successfully cultivate Anubias lanceolata, aquarists must treat it as an epiphyte and avoid burying its sensitive rhizome in any type of substrate. The plant develops a creeping structure that relies on strong, fibrous roots to grip onto hardscape like bogwood or lava rock for physical stability. While trailing roots may penetrate down into the gravel bed over time to secure its long, spear-shaped leaves against water flow, they do not function as primary nutrient gatherers. Instead, the plant feeds almost exclusively from the water column, making the underlying soil composition totally irrelevant to its success.

Column fertilization

Recommended

It feeds exclusively from the water column through its leaves and exposed roots. Sparing use of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer is best. Iron helps maintain its deep green coloration.

Root fertilization

None

Root tabs are useless as the roots do not absorb nutrients from the soil. The root system functions solely to anchor the plant to hardscape. It is a true epiphyte.

Trimming

Occasional

Trimming is only needed to remove old, damaged, or algae-infested foliage. Cut the leaf stems close to the base of the rhizome. This is a very infrequent maintenance task.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Propagation is achieved by cutting the creeping rhizome into sections. Ensure each piece has healthy leaves and roots before reattaching. Tie or glue the sections to hardscape.

Sensitivity

Moderate

Like all Anubias, it is highly susceptible to algae if exposed to high light. It should be placed in shaded or moderately lit areas. The rhizome must never be buried.

Layout role

Midground, Background

Its narrow, lance-like leaves provide excellent vertical contrast in the midground. It breaks up the monotony of round-leaved plants beautifully. It adds a sophisticated touch to the aquascape.