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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

Problem Likely Cause
Rhizome rot Rhizome buried in substrate
Algae on leaves Too much light or nutrient imbalance
Leaf melting/yellowing Poor water conditions or nutrient deficiency

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



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