Form of Anubias congensis

Anubias congensis Mini

Anubias heterophylla 'Mini'

The named form of Anubias heterophylla · See the species →

Also known as Anubias congensis var. mini

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
5.1 in
13 cm
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
5.5–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Family
Araceae
Origin
Cultivated form (trade selection, origin unpublished)

Overview

Anubias congensis Mini is a dwarf anubias sized for the foreground and midground. Its narrow, upright leaves add a vertical line among rounder dwarf anubias, and it is easy to keep.

Did you know

Young plants of the regular Anubias congensis also sell in small pots. Aquarium Plants Factory says they reach 25 to 35 cm in time, while the Mini tops out around 13 cm. That makes the Mini about a third the height of the regular plant.

Caring for Anubias congensis Mini

Tie or glue Anubias congensis Mini to wood or stone. Keep the rhizome clear of the substrate, where it would rot.

Low light suits it, and it needs no added CO2. It feeds through its roots and from the water, so a liquid fertilizer covers it. It takes a wide pH range, from 5.5 to 8.

Strong light brings algae to the slow leaves, and so does detritus left sitting on them. Divide the rhizome to spread it, leaving several leaves on each piece.

Good to know

Anubias congensis Mini is an aroid in the family Araceae, sold as Anubias congensis 'Mini'. Anubias congensis is now treated as a synonym of A. heterophylla. The Mini grows as a tight clump of many lance-shaped leaves in deep green. The regular congensis has fewer, larger, lighter leaves on long stalks. Buce Plant labels it Anubias barteri var. congensis, a trade name with no botanical standing that shops also use for the regular plant.

In the wild

Anubias congensis Mini is a cultivated form with no known wild population, and no shop says where it was selected. The wild plants behind the congensis name root in mud or grip rock and wood along shaded streams in tropical Africa.

Common questions

Is Anubias congensis Mini a different species from Anubias congensis?

No. Anubias congensis Mini is a form of Anubias congensis, Anubias heterophylla. It reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm), against 15.7 in (40 cm) for the species. It also differs in placement and spread.

Does Anubias congensis Mini need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias congensis Mini 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 congensis Mini need CO2?

No. Anubias congensis Mini grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Anubias congensis Mini need?

Anubias congensis Mini is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Anubias congensis Mini need root tabs?

No. Anubias congensis Mini 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 congensis Mini?

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

How tall does Anubias congensis Mini grow?

Anubias congensis Mini grows to about 5.1 in (13 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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