Here’s all about Anubias afzelii — a lesser-known but beautiful species of Anubias that's prized for its elegant, elongated leaves and hardy nature:

🌿 Anubias afzelii Overview

• Scientific Name: Anubias afzelii

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (mainly Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia)

• Growth Form: Rhizomatous plant

• Growth Rate: Very slow

• Placement: Midground to background (depending on tank size)

• Height: 20–45 cm (8–18 inches)

• Light Requirement: Low to moderate

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Hardiness: Very hardy and shade-tolerant

🌱 Key Characteristics

• Leaves:

  • Long, narrow, lanceolate leaves (20–35 cm long)

  • Dark green and leathery

  • Emerge from a thick creeping rhizome

• Growth Habit:

  • Like other Anubias species, grows from a rhizome

  • Roots anchor into hardscape or substrate

  • Adapted to emersed (above water) or submersed (in water) growth

• Tank Size Suitability:

  • Ideal for medium to large aquariums due to leaf size

🛠️ Care & Maintenance

• Planting:

  • Best tied or glued to driftwood, rocks, or porous surfaces

  • Do not bury the rhizome in substrate—it may rot

• Lighting:

  • Tolerates low light; avoid direct intense light to prevent algae on leaves

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: 3–12 dKH

• Nutrient Needs:

  • Absorbs nutrients from water column

  • Benefits from liquid fertilizers

  • Root tabs unnecessary unless the rhizome is near substrate

• Trimming:

  • Rarely needs trimming

  • Dead leaves should be trimmed at the base

🌿 Propagation

• By Rhizome Division:

  • Cut the rhizome into sections with at least 3–4 leaves

  • Reattach new portions to rock or driftwood

🐟 Aquascaping Use

• Best in African biotope tanks or low-tech planted tanks

• Its long leaves offer a striking visual contrast to round-leaved plants

• Creates natural hiding spots for small fish and shrimp

⚠️ Common Issues & Troubleshooting

✅ Why Choose Anubias afzelii?

• Unique elongated foliage adds elegance to aquascapes

• Extremely hardy and adaptable

• Tolerates low light – ideal for shaded areas

• Low maintenance and long-lived

• Compatible with most fish, including cichlids and goldfish