Anubias Heterophylla

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Congo Anubias; Anubias Congensis

Synonyms

Anubias heterophylla var. Supernova; Anubias Super Nova

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Captive-bred variety

Habitat

Wild-type Anubias heterophylla grows along rivers and streams in West Africa (Cameroon); this cultivar was developed by the Aquatic Plant Centre nursery in Thailand and has no natural range.

Sourcing

Captive-bred

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Background, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

3 – 15 dGH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Not needed

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Long, lance-shaped leaves with a gentle wave and glossy deep green surface give this Anubias a taller, more sculptural profile than compact varieties. It stays undemanding under low light, must be mounted on hardscape rather than planted in substrate, and its leathery foliage largely deters grazing by fish and shrimp.

Care

A large-form Anubias hybrid with elongated, wavy lance-shaped leaves and a glossy, deep green finish that gives it a more refined silhouette than broad-leaved heterophylla forms. It tolerates a wide range of water conditions and lighting, making it forgiving for beginners, though very bright light without adequate CO2 or nutrients can invite algae on its slow-growing leaves. As with all Anubias, the rhizome must stay above the substrate, attached to driftwood or rock rather than buried, or it will rot. Given its eventual size it works best as a background or large midground specimen in medium to large tanks.

Planting & trimming

Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or other hardscape using thread, fishing line, or plant-safe glue, keeping the rhizome itself exposed to open water rather than pressed into substrate. It can also be grown emersed in paludariums or left partially submerged during acclimation. Trim only damaged or algae-covered leaves at the base as needed since the plant produces new growth slowly.

Fertilizing

Being a column and root feeder, it benefits from regular liquid fertilizer dosing including iron and micronutrients, since it is not planted in a nutrient substrate. Root tabs placed near the rhizome roots can supplement growth if the plant is mounted near a substrate bed. Yellowing or translucent new leaves usually point to iron or micronutrient deficiency rather than a lack of macros, given the plant's slow uptake and growth rate.

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the rhizome once a section has developed at least three to five leaves and its own root cluster, cutting with a clean blade. Each division should be reattached to hardscape rather than buried, and growth resumes slowly, often taking many months to produce a full-sized new plant.

Problems

Rhizome rot from burial is the most common problem, showing as a soft, mushy, discolored rhizome that should be trimmed back to healthy tissue. Because growth is slow, algae can accumulate on older leaves if lighting is too strong for the tank's CO2 and nutrient levels, so shaded placement or reduced photoperiod helps keep foliage clean. The thick, leathery leaves are naturally resistant to melting and are rarely bothered by grazing fish or shrimp.

Sources

1. Anubias Supernova Vitro Culture - Rare Wavy Leaf Hybrid – Aquarium Plants Factory
2. Anubias Supernova | APF Aquarium Plants Factory®
3. Anubias: Anubias Heterophylla Supernova
4. Anubias Heterophylla Supernova - fitzfishponds.com

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