Anubias Hastifolia

Anubias hastifolia

Appearance & Growth

Bring bold structure and deep green color to your aquascape with Anubias Hastifolia. This slow-growing rhizome plant develops sturdy, elongated leaves that become more arrow-shaped as they mature. Mounted on driftwood or nestled against rockwork, it creates a leafy focal point where shrimp can graze and small fish can pause beneath the foliage.

Size & Placement

A larger-growing Anubias best suited to the midground or background of spacious aquariums. Give its upright leaf stalks and broad mature foliage room to develop rather than squeezing it into a small foreground space. Growth and final size depend on conditions; submerged growth is typically slow.

Compatible Tankmates

• Peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and corydoras
• Dwarf shrimp, which graze biofilm from the leaves and roots
• Plant-safe snails such as nerites
• Its sturdy leaves tolerate normal community activity, but determined plant-eaters and fish that tear or dislodge plants can still cause damage.

Planted-Tank Role

Anubias Hastifolia adds long-lasting structure and broad-leaved contrast to fine-textured stem plants and grassy backgrounds. Its exposed roots gradually grip hardscape, making it useful for planted layouts without deep planting areas. As a slow grower, it is not a substitute for fast-growing plants, filtration, or regular water changes.

Lighting & Nutrition

• Lighting: low to moderate aquarium lighting is usually sufficient. Partial shade can help limit algae on its slow-growing leaves.
• Photoperiod: start with 6–8 hours daily and adjust to plant response and algae growth.
• Fertilizer: a complete aquarium plant fertilizer used according to its label can supplement available nutrients.
• CO2: injection is not required in many setups, though balanced supplementation can support growth.
• Avoid increasing light intensity simply to speed up growth; healthy Anubias naturally develops slowly.

Water Conditions

• Adaptable to a range of stable tropical freshwater aquarium conditions.
• Provide gentle circulation around the leaves and rhizome to prevent debris buildup.
• Avoid sudden changes in water temperature or chemistry.
• Keep the rhizome firm, exposed, and free of decaying material.

Planting Guidance

• Remove any pot and packing wool carefully, then gently rinse the roots.
• Attach to driftwood or rock with thread, a loose plant tie, or a small amount of aquarium-safe plant glue.
• Do not bury the rhizome: the thick horizontal stem connecting the leaves and roots must remain above the substrate to help prevent rot.
• Roots may extend into the substrate as long as the rhizome remains exposed.
• Do not crush the rhizome between rocks or tighten ties enough to cut into it.

Trimming & Propagation

• Remove damaged or heavily deteriorated leaves by cutting their stalks near the rhizome with clean scissors.
• Propagate a well-established plant by dividing the rhizome with a clean, sharp tool, leaving several healthy leaves and roots on each section.
• Allow time for each division to establish before dividing again.
• Gently clear debris from leaves during maintenance and monitor older foliage for algae.
• Some older leaves may decline after a change in growing conditions. Remove decaying foliage and watch for healthy new leaves.