Anubias Hastifolia

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Spade-leaf Anubias; Arrowhead Anubias

Synonyms

Anubias hastifolia var. glabra

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Cameroon, Gabon, Central Africa

Habitat

Rivers, streams, and marshes in tropical West and Central Africa, typically growing along banks with roots anchored to rock or wood in slow to moderate current

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

4 – 18 in (10 – 46 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Background, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 8.0

GH

2 – 20 dGH

dKH

4 – 18 dKH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Anchors itself to driftwood or rock via rhizome roots and pushes up tall, spear-shaped leaves on long petioles rather than spreading through substrate. Growth is slow but reliable across a broad pH and hardness range, suiting low-tech midground or background placement where its height and arrowhead foliage stand apart from smaller Anubias types. Keep the rhizome unburied and exposed to modest light.

Care

One of the larger Anubias species, growing tall spear- or arrowhead-shaped leaves on long petioles that give it a more dramatic silhouette than nana or barteri types. It tolerates low light, a wide pH and hardness range, and fluctuating water quality, making it forgiving for beginners once positioned correctly. Growth is slow, so it fits best in tanks with room for a mature specimen and does not need to be crowded by faster stem plants.

Planting & trimming

Tie or wedge the rhizome to driftwood or rock using thread, fishing line, or a rubber band until the roots grip the surface on their own, then remove the tie. Never bury the rhizome in substrate, as this leads to rot; only the roots should be in contact with substrate if planted at all. Trim off old or algae-covered leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy and to redirect energy toward new growth.

Fertilizing

Most nutrition is absorbed through the leaves and water column rather than the roots, so regular dosing of a liquid fertilizer containing iron and trace elements supports steady growth. Root tabs are optional since the rhizome is usually left unburied, but nutrient-rich substrate nearby can still leach some benefit to any roots that reach it. Pale new leaves or stunted growth point to a lack of micronutrients and usually respond to more consistent liquid fertilization.

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the rhizome into sections, each with at least one leaf and a healthy root, using a clean blade. Divided sections can be reattached to new hardscape and will slowly establish new growth points. Growing emersed in a paludarium or terrarium speeds up rhizome production compared to fully submersed conditions.

Problems

Slow growth combined with strong lighting invites algae film on the tough leaves, so shading or trimming photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily helps keep leaves clean. Rhizome rot can develop if the rhizome is buried or if organic waste accumulates around it, showing up as a soft, blackened, foul-smelling rhizome; improving flow and trimming affected tissue with clean tools usually stops it from spreading. The leaves themselves are tough and rarely melt, though new emersed-grown leaves can sometimes struggle after conversion to submersed growth.

Sources

1. Spade-leaf Anubias (Anubias hastifolia) Care Guide & Plant Profile | Guidarium
2. Anubias hastifolia: Aquatic Plants for your Freshwater Aquariums – LiveAquaria
3. Anubias Hastifolia (Anubias hastifolia) Care Guide — Shoal & Stem
4. Anubias Hastifolia: Ultimate Care Guide - Fish Laboratory

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