OVERVIEW: The genus Anubias contains several popular species and varieties. A. barteri, with its varieties barteri, caladifolia and nana, and A. angustifolia 'Afzelii' are but a few of the common anubias. There are variations in size and leaf shape and appearance, but keeping practices are simalar.
HABITAT: Marshes, streams and riverbanks, often in the shade.
NATIVE RANGE: West Africa.
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 12 inch (30cm).
LIGHTING: Low to moderate lighting.
WATER: 72-82 F (22-26 C); pH: Acidic to Alkaline; hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
SPECIAL CARE: These perennials are so slow growing, the leaves may acquire a coat of algae if kept in an overly fertilized environment.
PROPAGATION: Side shoots or rhizone. Seed.
NOTES: Anubias are amphibious, broad leaved plants. The roots form on a creeping rhizome. In aquariums, these plants grow best when the rhizome is attached to rocks, driftwood or other decorative substrate. Burying the roots and rhizome in substrate is not recommended. Because of its thick leathery leaves, the slow growing Anubias is ideal for aquaria with cichlids and other fishes that would otherwise not be candidates for a planted aquarium. As long as the rhizome is kept moist and the air humid, these plants will grow and sometimes flower above the waterline, which makes them interesting paludarium specimens. In good light, new leaves are initially pale in colour.
