If you are looking for an undemanding and very beautiful aquarium plant, then Anubias lanceolata is one of the best candidates. It is difficult to ruin even for a beginner, and it looks solid and elegant.
This plant has strong dark green leaves on short stems. It grows slowly, so you don't have to trim it constantly. This is a big advantage for those who don't want to devote all their free time to their underwater garden.
Anubias lanceolata is versatile. It can simply be planted in the soil, or tied with fishing line or thread to a log or rock. Over time, its roots will securely attach themselves to the surface, creating the effect of a natural, centuries-old forest.
The main thing is not to bury the thick rhizome from which the leaves grow in the soil. If you bury it, it may start to rot. Just leave the rhizome on the surface, and the plant will thrive for many years.
Distribution
This plant is native to West Africa. Anubias grows in shallow, slow-flowing water bodies, in swamps, and even on forest shores, sheltered from the bright sun. The water level can vary depending on the season. Sometimes the plant is completely submerged, at other times the leaves stick out or float on the surface.
In nature, lanceolate anubias can grow up to 45 cm in length. In aquarium conditions, it is smaller — no more than 30 cm, rarely 35 cm.
Growing and care
In aquarium conditions, anubias grow rather slowly. This can be considered an advantage, as frequent transplanting or pruning is not required. Anubias takes root well and tolerates transplanting. It does not need to be temporarily moved to a greenhouse, as it will grow evenly without this. Dead leaves should be removed.
Anubias lanceolata is placed in the soil so that the roots do not sink too deep, otherwise they may rot. It is also tied to driftwood, stones, etc. To do this, use fishing line, thread, or special glue. After a few weeks, the plant will take root completely.
The plant tolerates partial submersion well. They can be planted in terrariums, paludariums, and florariums. In such conditions, anubias grow faster and flowers appear more often. They are light cream in color and resemble calla lilies in shape.
Water parameters for ideal maintenance
The optimal water temperature is 25-28°C. Fluctuations of a few degrees in either direction are acceptable, but growth will slow down.
The preferred acidity is 6-7.5 pH. Hardness can vary within relatively wide limits (Gh from 6 to 18 and even 20). However, frequent water changes and cleaning of the aquarium are mandatory.
It is also important not to overfeed the fish: excess organic matter is harmful to the plant.
Carbon dioxide saturation is not necessary. However, Anubias grows better with it.
Anubias are freshwater plants. However, they can tolerate slightly brackish water (up to 1.005).
Lighting requirements
Moderate lighting for 8-10 hours is desirable. The type of bulb is not important: halogen, LED, and fluorescent bulbs are suitable.
The plant can be placed under other, taller plants. If there is too much light, the leaves begin to turn yellow and die off. Parasitic algae may also grow. Because of this, Anubias grows more slowly and looks untidy.
Requirements for soil and nutrient substrate
Loose and silted soil with a thickness of at least 5-7 cm is desirable. The ideal substrate is coarse sand (1-2 mm) or fine gravel (2-3 mm). Organic matter is also needed, especially if there are no fish or fish food residues in the aquarium.
Anubias forms a powerful root system and takes root well. Thanks to this quality and its tough leaves, it can withstand the proximity of cichlids.
Fertilizer requirements
Lanceolate anubias gets its nutrients from the soil. Therefore, fertilizers for it are added not to the water, but to the substrate. Nutritious soil is suitable. During periods of intensive growth, mineral fertilizers are desirable. At other times, it feels fine without them. Iron supplements are recommended to keep the leaves lush and fleshy.
Anubias lanceolata is a real find for aquarists of any level: it is unpretentious, grows slowly, does not require bright light or complex care, and also does an excellent job of purifying water. Even if you are a beginner or have a simple aquarium without additional equipment, this plant will easily take root and delight you with its lush greenery for a long time. In addition, fish do not touch it, so you can rest assured that it will remain intact.
Propagation
- New plants are grown from the roots of old ones. To do this, dig up and cut the rhizome (you can take up to two-thirds). Divide it into several parts so that each has a bud. Immerse the cuttings in water and wait for them to grow roots. Then plant them in the soil.
- Another option is to take the plant and divide it into several parts so that each has 3-4 leaves and root shoots. These pieces are immediately planted in the soil.
Since Anubias propagates easily, you can purchase a small amount and then gradually fill the aquarium.
Plant variations
Lanceolate Anubias belongs to the Anubias barteri variety. There are other forms that differ in size and leaf shape. What all forms have in common is their shade-loving nature and leaf shape. The conditions for keeping them are similar.
Anubias barteri var. Barteri — a plant about 30 cm tall. The leaves are large, broad, and asymmetrical, glossy on top and velvety underneath. Usually, the color is rich green. But there is a variegated variety with a lighter pattern.
Narrow-leaved Anubias (Anubias barteri var. Angustifolia grows up to 20-30 cm in length. The leaves are elongated, pointed at the ends, but wider than those of the lanceolate variety.
Anubias glabra), or Anubias barteri var. glabra, grows up to 30 cm in an aquarium. The leaves are elongated and pointed at the ends. They may be covered with pigment spots.
Caladiifolia (Anubias barteri var. Caladiifolia differs in the arrangement of its leaves: they grow almost perpendicular to the stem. It grows vertically, forming a long petiole. The stem can be cut off and planted in the aquarium.
Coffee leaf Anubias (Anubias barteri var. “Coffeefolia” resembles a coffee tree. The plant is small, up to 15 cm.
Anubias nana (Anubias barteri var. Nana) due to its small height (about 10-15 cm), it is also called dwarf. It is placed in the foreground. This is an unpretentious plant with dark green or emerald egg-shaped leaves. It forms dense, albeit low, thickets.)
Anubias barteri var. nana Bonsai — not a natural, but a selected form. The plant is even smaller (up to 4 cm), and the leaves are sparsely located on the stem. Suitable for nano aquariums. It is planted in the foreground or near the side walls.
Another small form — golden anubias, or Anubias barteri var. nana Golden. Young plants are golden in color, but over time they turn bright green. They are small (around 10 cm), so they are suitable for the foreground.
If you are looking for your first plant for your aquarium or want to add greenery to difficult areas, lanceolate anubias is an excellent choice. Its main advantage is its incredible endurance. It will grow in different lighting conditions and in a wide variety of water, forgiving many beginner mistakes.
Its appearance is a separate plus. Dense green leaves on long petioles create beautiful, structured bushes. They look great on driftwood and stones, where they are usually attached. This composition immediately makes the aquarium look natural and well-groomed.
In general, this plant is a friend to aquarists. It does not require complex care, pleases the eye for years, and helps to create a stable ecosystem in the tank. Plant lanceolate anubias, and you will get a reliable green island that will grow and delight you for a very long time.
