Aridarum Caulecens Sabertooth

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

null

Synonyms

Aridarum sp. "Caulescens"

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Borneo

Habitat

Fast-flowing streams and waterfall rocks in Bornean rainforest, growing epiphytically on rocks and wood in and above the waterline

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

4 – 8 in (10 – 20 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

GH

6 – 12 dGH

Flow

Moderate-High

Light

Low

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Aridarum caulescens 'Sabertooth' is a rhizomatous aroid adapted to Bornean waterfall rock faces. Thin, waxy blades resist damage from heavy flow, and the plant can be grown submerged or emersed with equal ease. Attach the rhizome to hardscape and divide sections for propagation once established.

Care

This slow-growing Bornean epiphyte does best mounted on driftwood or rock rather than buried in substrate, mimicking the rocky waterfall habitat it comes from. It tolerates a wide range of parameters and appreciates good flow and stable water quality, with low to medium lighting being sufficient. Growth is measured in months rather than weeks, so patience is needed before the plant fills in a piece of hardscape.

Planting & trimming

Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rock using cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue, wedging it into crevices where possible, and never bury the rhizome in substrate as this leads to rot. Once established the roots will grip the hardscape on their own, and trimming is rarely needed given the slow growth rate.

Fertilizing

Liquid fertilization with a balanced micro and macro blend supports steady growth, since the plant absorbs nutrients through its leaves and exposed roots rather than through substrate feeding. Root tabs are unnecessary given its epiphytic habit. Pale or translucent new leaves can indicate insufficient micronutrients, particularly iron, in low-tech setups.

Propagation

Propagate by cutting a mature rhizome into sections, each with at least one healthy growth point and a few roots or leaves, then reattach the divisions to hardscape in the same manner as the parent plant. New plantlets can also occasionally form along the rhizome and be separated once they have their own root system.

Problems

Rot and melt are usually caused by burying the rhizome in substrate or by sudden shifts in water parameters after acclimation. Algae can build up on the slow-growing, waxy leaves in high-light tanks, so moderate lighting and good flow help keep surfaces clean. Otherwise the leaves are tough and resistant to physical damage from strong current.

Sources

1. Aridarum Caulescens White Fang Live Aquatic Plant – Glass Aqua
2. Aridarum Caulecens Sp. White Fang Aquarium Plant — Buce Plant
3. Aridarum sp. "Caulescens" - PremiumBuces
4. Aridarum caulescens - PerfectAqua

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