Anubias Afzelii (Anubias afzelii) Care Guide
A tall Anubias species with upright, lance-shaped leaves that can reach 40cm. One of the larger species in the genus, it creates an impressive vertical element in the background of planted tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias afzelii is an aquatic plant in the family Araceae. A tall Anubias species with upright, lance-shaped leaves that can reach 40cm. One of the larger species in the genus, it creates an impressive vertical element in the background of planted tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias afzelii
- Other names: Afzel's Anubias
Habitat
Native to tropical West Africa, including Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mali, where it grows as a semi-aquatic herb in marshes, swamps and shallow streams. One of the first Anubias species described scientifically.
Growth requirements
- Light: low (≈30-50 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any (also grows attached to decor)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: beginner
Placement
- Recommended placement: background
- Maximum height: 40 cm
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by rhizome division.
Propagating Anubias afzelii 'Compacta': Rhizome Division Guide
Overview
Anubias afzelii 'Compacta' is a compact form of the West African species Anubias afzelii, native to wet, shady places in Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali. Like all Anubias it is an aroid (family Araceae) that grows from a creeping, rooting rhizome and is most often kept as an epiphyte, attached to driftwood or rock rather than planted in substrate.
It is a slow, undemanding plant that thrives under subdued light and does not require CO2 injection. Because the leaves emerge from a thick rhizome, propagation is done by dividing that rhizome rather than by topping cuttings.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Anubias is reproduced by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. A longer, established rhizome is cut into segments, and each segment grows into an independent new plant. The key requirement is that every division carries enough leaves and roots to support itself while it re-establishes.
Step-by-Step
- Select a mature plant whose rhizome has visibly extended and carries several leaf clusters.
- Using a clean, very sharp blade or scissors, cut the rhizome into pieces, each with 3-4 leaves and its own roots; make a clean cut without crushing the rhizome.
- Attach each division to driftwood or rock using cotton thread or super-glue gel, keeping the rhizome fully exposed above the surface.
- Return the mount to subdued light and stable, clean water and allow several weeks for new leaves to appear.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
- Lighting: low to subdued; strong light encourages algae on the leaves.
- Temperature: roughly 22-28 C, matching its warm West African range.
- CO2: not required; the plant grows well without injection.
- Placement: epiphytic on wood or rock, suited to the midground.
Maintenance
Keep the rhizome and roots exposed and free of debris, maintain clean, filtered water to limit algae, and be patient: Anubias may add only one leaf every few weeks. Remove any old or damaged leaves at the base to keep the compact form tidy.
Common Challenges
Algae on the slow-growing leaves is the other frequent issue and usually signals too much light or excess organic waste; reduce lighting and improve filtration to resolve it.
Propagating Anubias Afzelii
Overview
Anubias afzelii is a large species with elongated, leathery, lance-shaped leaf blades up to 35 cm long and 13 cm wide, carried on stems shorter than the blade. Its size makes it a striking vertical background plant in larger aquariums.
It is native to West Africa, found in Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali, where it grows in wet, shady places and usually emerges from the water. Like all Anubias it spreads from a creeping, rooting rhizome and grows very slowly in aquariums.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Anubias afzelii is propagated by dividing its rhizome, not from stem cuttings. The rhizome is a creeping, rooting structure 1-4 cm thick, and splitting it into sections that each retain leaves and roots is the reliable way to make more plants.
Step-by-Step
- Lift the plant and expose the thick 1-4 cm rhizome beneath the leaves.
- Select a cut point so each piece keeps three to four leaves and its own roots.
- Cut through the rhizome with clean, sharp scissors or a blade.
- Tie or glue each division onto wood or rock so the roots can grip.
- Return it to the tank under low light and leave it undisturbed to establish.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Afzelii is hardy and undemanding: low light, no CO2, and a temperature of 22-28 C suit it. In nature it favours shady, partly emersed conditions, so it tolerates dim aquariums well and does not need bright lighting to thrive.
- Light: low to moderate; it naturally grows in shade.
- Temperature: 22-28 C.
- CO2: not required.
- Placement: epiphyte on wood or rock, used as a tall background plant.
Maintenance
With very slow growth and long-lived leaves, afzelii needs little upkeep. Remove damaged or yellowing leaves, manage algae on the durable blades, and leave new divisions alone until their roots have anchored.
Common Challenges
The usual problems are rhizome rot from burial and slow establishment after division. Because the leaves last for years, algae can accumulate under strong light, so favour modest lighting and gentle flow.