TankBud

Anubias congensis

Anubias heterophylla

Also known as Anubias barteri var. congensis, Congo Anubias

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias congensis (Anubias heterophylla)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low 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
5.5–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo region)

Overview

A larger Anubias best used as a background or tall midground piece. Tie or glue the rhizome to wood or rock and keep it above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots. It is undemanding in low light with no CO2 needed, though added CO2 and ferts speed up its slow growth. Leaves last a long time, so wipe off slow algae rather than waiting on new growth, and give it room as the longer leaves can reach 30 to 40 cm.

In the wild

Native to the rainforest streams of Central Africa, ranging from Cameroon and Gabon through the Congo basin. It grows along shaded, slow-moving riverbanks, typically rooted in mud or clinging to wood and rock at the water's edge where it can live submersed or emersed depending on water level.

Good to know

An aroid in the genus Anubias, family Araceae. The plant sold in the hobby as 'Anubias congensis' is botanically Anubias heterophylla; A. congensis N.E.Brown is a recognized synonym. The species name heterophylla ('different-leaved') refers to the variable leaf shape seen across its range. Like all Anubias it produces a spadix-and-spathe inflorescence even underwater.

Did you know

Despite decades of being sold as 'Anubias congensis,' DNA and floral studies place it within Anubias heterophylla, making 'congensis' one of the most persistent misnomers in the aquarium trade.

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