Anubias afzelii

Anubias afzelii - A Bold, Broad-Leafed Anchor Plant for Background Hardscape

Anubias afzelii is one of the larger species in the genus, producing broad, arrow-shaped dark green leaves on a sturdy rhizome. It makes an excellent anchor plant for background hardscape in medium to large aquariums, tying tank height and structure together without demanding much from the aquarist.

Its slow, undemanding growth and near-indestructible leaves make it a reliable long-term centrepiece for driftwood and rockwork builds.

At N8 Aquatics, our aquarium plants are grown and quarantined to ensure healthy, pest-free stock that's ready for your tank.

Plant Snapshot

• Size Sold: Standard
• Mature Size: Large - one of the bigger-growing Anubias species
• Placement: Mid-ground to background
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Difficulty: Easy

Ideal Habitat and Care

Anubias is an epiphyte, so it should never be planted in substrate. Tie or glue the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or hardscape and allow the root system to spread naturally across the surface. Burying the rhizome is the most common cause of rot in this genus.

• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• CO2: Not required, though supplementation can lift growth rate
• Growth Rate: Slow, low nutrient demand

Propagation & Trimming

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome once it develops multiple growth points.

• Cut the rhizome with a sharp, clean blade, keeping at least 2-3 leaves per section
• Re-attach each division to hardscape and allow it to re-establish before handling again
• Trim old, algae-affected, or melted leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth

Compatibility

Anubias' tough, leathery leaves make it one of the few plants that stands up to grazing and boisterous fish, and its epiphyte growth habit means it's never at risk from fish that dig or uproot substrate plants.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Herbivorous and grazing fish, including plecos and other algae eaters
• Cichlids and other fish that typically uproot softer stem plants
• Shrimp and snails, which use the leaves as a grazing and resting surface

Avoid keeping with large, determined plant-eaters such as silver dollars or grass carp, which can still damage even tough Anubias leaves over time.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Grown and quarantined for healthy, pest-free stock
• True-to-type cultivars, correctly labelled
• Established rhizomes ready to attach to hardscape
• Grower support if you have questions

Shipping Information

Unlike our live fish and invertebrates, aquarium plants are able to be shipped.

Plants are carefully packed to arrive in good condition, with standard shipping available at checkout.

Explore More

Browse the full range of aquarium plants at N8 Aquatics, check out our available fish for stocking ideas that pair well with Anubias hardscape, or see the complete Anubias range for other cultivars and sizes.