TankBud

Anubias gilletii

Also known as Arrow-leaf Anubias

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias gilletii (Anubias gilletii)
Vitro Culture · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
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
Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Overview

Anubias gilletii is a medium to large anubias that reaches around 25 to 30 cm. Treat it as a midground or background specimen in larger tanks. It is undemanding and easy to keep.

Did you know

The arrowhead leaf of Anubias gilletii only shows up on mature plants. Young plants have simple lanceolate leaves and are routinely sold as a plain narrow-leaf anubias. Keepers are often surprised when their tidy little plant slowly turns into a large lobed showpiece.

Caring for Anubias gilletii

Attach Anubias gilletii to sizable driftwood or rock, and keep the rhizome exposed so it does not rot. Pick a piece big enough for a plant that needs open space.

It tolerates low light and needs no CO2, though it colors up a little better under moderate light. It feeds through its roots and from the water, so a liquid fertilizer covers it. It handles a pH from 5.5 to 8.

Growth is slow, and the thick, waxy leaves shrug off nibbling fish. To propagate, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Anubias gilletii was described in 1901 by De Wildeman and Durand, and it belongs to the family Araceae. It is a true species rather than a cultivar. Mature leaves are hastate blades that can reach 25 cm or more on long stalks, with basal lobes. It is also one of the parents of the Nangi hybrid.

In the wild

Anubias gilletii grows wild in Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and both Congos. It lives along shaded rainforest rivers and streams as an epiphyte on rocks and wood in the flood zone. Along stream banks it often grows fully emersed, with its leaves above the waterline.

Common questions

Does Anubias gilletii need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias gilletii 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 gilletii need CO2?

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

How much light does Anubias gilletii need?

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

Does Anubias gilletii need root tabs?

No. Anubias gilletii 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 gilletii?

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

How tall does Anubias gilletii grow?

Anubias gilletii grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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