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The Different Types of Anubias Plant

Updated: April 23, 2023

Anubias is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the Araceae family. These plants are native to Africa and can be found growing in rivers, streams, and marshes. They are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their hardiness, low maintenance, and attractive appearance.

There are many different types of Anubias plants available in the market. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular ones.

Anubias barteri

Anubias barteri is one of the most popular species of Anubias. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 16 inches in height. This plant has broad, dark green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. It is an ideal plant for beginners as it is easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

Anubias nana

Anubias nana is another popular species of Anubias. It is a small plant that grows up to 6 inches in height. This plant has thick, dark green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. It is also an easy-to-care-for plant and can survive in a wide range of water conditions. Anubias nana is often used in aquascaping projects due to its small size and attractive appearance.

Anubias Congensis

Anubias Congensis is a larger species of Anubias that can grow up to 24 inches in height. This plant has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. It is a slow-growing plant that requires low light and CO2 levels to thrive. Anubias Congensis is often used as a background plant in aquariums due to its size.

Anubias afzelii

Anubias afzelii is a unique species of Anubias that has dark green leaves with white veins running through them. This plant can grow up to 16 inches in height and requires moderate light levels to thrive. It is an excellent plant for adding contrast to an aquarium due to its distinctive appearance.

Anubias hastifolia

Anubias hastifolia is another species of Anubias that has distinctively shaped leaves. Its leaves are arrow-shaped and can grow up to 8 inches long. This plant requires moderate light levels and CO2 levels to thrive. It is an excellent plant for creating a focal point in an aquarium due to its unique appearance.

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘petite’

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘petite’ is a miniature version of Anubias nana. It only grows up to 2 inches tall and has smaller leaves than its larger counterpart. This plant requires low light levels and is ideal for small aquariums or as foreground plants.

Anubias lanceolata

Anubias lanceolata is a tall species of Anubias that can grow up to 20 inches tall. This plant has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long. It requires moderate light levels and CO2 levels to thrive. Anubias lanceolata is often used as a background plant in aquariums due to its size.

FAQ

Q: What are some common issues when growing Anubias plants?

A: One common issue with growing Anubias plants is algae growth on the leaves. To prevent this, ensure that the plants are not receiving too much light and regularly clean the leaves with an algae scraper or toothbrush.

Q: Can Anubias plants survive in low light conditions?

A: Yes, most species of Anubias can survive in low light conditions, although they may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves as they would under brighter lighting.

Q: Do I need CO2 injection for my Anubias plants?

A: While some species of Anubias may benefit from CO2 injection, it is not necessary for their survival. Most species can thrive without it, although growth may be slower.

Q: Can I propagate my Anubias plants?

A: Yes, most species of Anubias can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by cutting off side shoots and planting them separately.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Anubias plants?

A: This depends on the specific species and conditions of your aquarium. As a general rule, it’s recommended to fertilize once or twice a week using a liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for aquarium plants.

In conclusion, there are many different types of Anubias plants available, each with its own unique characteristics and requirements. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, there’s sure to be an Anubias species that will thrive in your aquarium setup.