Anubias Beginner Guide

Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants endemic to tropical central and western Africa in the Araceae family. They are most common in rivers and streams, although they can also be found in marshes. They are distinguished by broad, thick, dark green leaves that occur in a variety of shapes and sizes. The genus was amended in 1979, and its name has remained stable since then. Species may be identified mostly by inflorescence features. Because of the plants’ frequent growth in shadowy areas, the species was named after the Egyptian deity Anubis, the god of the afterlife. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott described the genus in 1857, using Afzelii as the type species.

Anubias, most notably A. barteri in various varieties, are extensively employed in aquariums, generally clinging to rocks or bogwood. Anubias, unlike other plants, prefers low-light conditions and may develop blossoms underwater. They should be put in shady regions in the aquarium, or algae will grow on the leaves.

Many aquarists consider anubias to be one of the simplest plants to keep because of their minimal light and food requirements, as well as the fact that herbivorous fish will not eat it (with a few exceptions). As a result, Anubias is one of the few plants that may be kept in aquariums with African cichlids and goldfish.

Stolon division or side shoots can be used to reproduce in artificial conditions. To live, the stolon must constantly be above the substrate; otherwise, it rots and the plant dies. Anubias should be tied to a piece of rock or driftwood rather than planted straight into the soil, since the rhizome and roots are more likely to develop and thrive when exposed than than hidden. Anubias can also be propagated from seed.

All species in this genus have a sluggish natural growth rate. They typically generate a leaf every 3 weeks or less. While it was originally assumed that they were among the few plants that did not respond to CO2 addition, hobbyists have reported amazing results and better growth with CO2 and high light intensity.

Anubias barteri, the most common species in this genus, is polymorphic and separated into various variants. Anubias gigantea and Anubias heterophylla are the biggest representatives of the genus. Their leaf-stems can reach 83 cm in length, with leaves 40 cm long and 14 cm wide, with lateral lobes up to 28 cm long and 10 cm wide. Anubias barteri var. nana, with a height of up to 10 cm and leaves up to 6 cm long and 3 cm wide, is the smallest representative. Anubias may be cultivated above the water. As a result, they can be employed in paludariums.