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Anubias afzelii

Also known as Afzelius' Anubias

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias afzelii (Anubias afzelii)
(c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Background
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa savanna (Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali)

Overview

Anubias afzelii is a robust, upright Anubias for the background or tall midground. It is easy to grow, and its toughness and bad taste to fish make it a reliable choice for cichlid and goldfish tanks.

Did you know

Nearly every other Anubias comes from shaded rainforest, but Anubias afzelii evolved in open savanna. That is why it copes with stronger lighting that would scorch its shade-loving cousins.

Caring for Anubias afzelii

Tie or glue the rhizome to wood or rock and keep it exposed. A buried rhizome rots.

Anubias afzelii handles medium light better than most Anubias and needs no CO2. It takes its nutrients from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it, and root tabs help only where its roots reach the substrate. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, about a leaf per month, so it rarely needs trimming. Propagate it by cutting the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

Good to know

Anubias afzelii is an Anubias species in the family Araceae. It is named after the botanist Adam Afzelius, who collected in Sierra Leone. Its leaves are long, leathery and lance-shaped. It is one of the species historically muddled with the 'congensis' trade name.

In the wild

Anubias afzelii comes from the savanna zone of northern West Africa, ranging across Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali. It grows on sunny to shaded river and stream banks.

Common questions

Does Anubias afzelii need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias afzelii grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does Anubias afzelii need CO2?

No. Anubias afzelii grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Anubias afzelii need?

Anubias afzelii wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Anubias afzelii need root tabs?

No. Anubias afzelii feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Anubias afzelii?

Anubias afzelii propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Anubias afzelii grow?

Anubias afzelii grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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