🌿 General Overview

• Common Name: Anubias Long Wavy, Long Wavy Anubias

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. “Long Wavy”

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (typically found along shaded rivers and streams)

• Type: Rhizome (epiphytic) aquatic plant

• Growth Habit: Compact, slow-growing with long, rippled leaves

• Difficulty Level: Very easy — ideal for beginners and low-tech aquariums

🪴 About the “Pot” Form

• “Anubias Long Wavy pot” refers to a potted plant grown in rock wool inside a small plastic pot.

• This form allows stable growth and easy transport.

• The rock wool supports root development while the rhizome stays above it.

Preparation before planting:

1. Remove the plant gently from the pot.

2. Pull away all rock wool from the roots.

3. Rinse roots thoroughly with clean water.

4. Mount the plant or place it in your aquarium (never bury the rhizome).

🌱 Appearance

• Leaf Shape: Long, slender, and gently wavy edges.

• Leaf Size: 6–12 cm long and about 2–3 cm wide.

• Color: Deep to bright green with a shiny surface.

• Height: Around 10–20 cm depending on light and nutrients.

• Texture: Thick, leathery leaves — highly resistant to tearing or fish nibbling.

• Growth Form: Bushy clumps formed by horizontal rhizome growth.

💧 Tank Requirements

• Placement: Foreground to midground (attached to hardscape or placed decoratively).

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano tanks to large aquariums.

• Lighting: Low to medium (high light can cause algae).

• CO₂: Not required (optional for slightly faster growth).

• Temperature: 22–30°C (72–86°F).

• pH: 6.0–7.8.

• Hardness: 3–15 dGH (tolerates most water types).

• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate for clean, healthy leaves.

🌾 Planting and Mounting Tips

• Do not bury the rhizome in substrate — it will rot.

• You can:

  • Attach it to rock, driftwood, or decoration with thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue.

  • Or keep it in the pot, slightly buried (only roots, not rhizome).

• Within a few weeks, roots will naturally grip to surfaces.

☀️ Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (depends on light and nutrients).

• Propagation:

  • By rhizome division — cut when several leaves and roots are present.

  • Reattach new sections to rock or driftwood.

• Trimming:

  • Remove old, damaged, or algae-covered leaves.

  • Clean gently during maintenance to keep glossy appearance.

• Fertilization:

  • Low demand; absorbs nutrients from the water column.

  • Occasional liquid fertilizer enhances growth and leaf color.

🧩 Aquascaping Uses

• Excellent for natural, jungle, or river-style aquascapes.

• Adds contrast with its long, rippling leaves.

• Perfect for shrimp tanks, betta tanks, and peaceful community setups.

• Works well in both submerged and emersed conditions (paludariums, terrariums).

• Ideal for low-light aquariums or shaded hardscape corners.

⚕️ Common Problems

• Algae on Leaves: Occurs in excessive light or stagnant areas.

  • Solution: Reduce light duration/intensity, improve flow, or add algae eaters (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus).

• Rhizome Rot: Caused by burying the rhizome — keep it exposed.

• Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of nutrient deficiency or aging foliage.

🌿 Care Tips

• Maintain low to medium light to avoid algae.

• Perform weekly water changes (25–40%) to keep water clean.

• Gentle water flow helps prevent debris buildup.

• Avoid aggressive or large herbivorous fish.

• Tolerates a wide range of parameters and can live for many years.

🌍 Interesting Facts

• The “Long Wavy” variety is a cultivated form of Anubias barteri, prized for its graceful, rippled leaf edges.

• The name “Anubias” comes from Anubis, the Egyptian god of the underworld — fitting since these plants thrive in shade.

• Can grow both submerged (underwater) and emersed (partially above water).

• Known for exceptional hardiness and longevity — often outlives other aquarium plants.