Here’s all about Anubias ‘Dragon Claw’, a unique and eye-catching cultivar of Anubias that’s gaining popularity in aquascaping for its dramatic leaf shape:

🌿 Anubias ‘Dragon Claw’ – Overview

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri variant (cultivar; not naturally occurring)

• Common Name: Anubias Dragon Claw

• Type: Rhizome plant

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Cultivar (selectively bred, likely from Asia)

• Growth Rate: Slow

🌱 Plant Appearance

• Leaf Color: Dark to deep green

• Leaf Shape: Strongly lobed and claw-like — resembling dragon claws

• Leaf Size: Medium (approx. 5–12 cm)

• Overall Height: 10–20 cm

• Growth Habit: Compact and bushy with textured leaves

💡 The heavily lobed leaves give it a bold, dramatic look compared to smoother-leafed Anubias types.

💡 Care Requirements

🧽 Placement in Aquarium

• Best suited for midground or as a feature plant

• Attach to driftwood, lava rock, or decorative stones

• Excellent for natural or fantasy-style aquascapes

🌿 Propagation

• By rhizome division

• Cut a section of rhizome with at least 3–4 leaves and some roots

• Propagation is slow due to slow overall growth

⚠️ Care Tips

• Do not bury the rhizome in substrate

• Watch for algae on slow-growing leaves — ensure gentle water flow

• Wipe leaves occasionally to prevent buildup

• Avoid direct, strong light — this can cause leaf burn or algae

✅ Benefits

• Very hardy and easy to care for

• Unique leaf shape adds character to any aquascape

• Suitable for low-tech, CO₂-free setups

• Ideal for shrimp tanks and planted betta aquariums

• Long lifespan and minimal trimming needed

🐉 Why Choose Dragon Claw?

• Distinctive, sculptural look – great for showpiece designs

• Perfect for themed tanks (fantasy, natural, dark water, etc.)

• Just as easy to care for as other Anubias, but with stand-out appeal