Anubias afzelii 'Compacta' Care Guide

Anubias afzelii 'Compacta' is a hardy compact form of a West African rhizome aroid, grown low-light as an epiphyte on driftwood and rocks.

Overview

Anubias afzelii is an aroid of the genus Anubias in the family Araceae, and is the type species of the genus. The wild plant has elongated, leathery leaf blades up to about 35 cm long and 13 cm wide on a creeping rhizome 1-4 cm thick. The cultivar 'Compacta' is a smaller, stockier selection with shorter leaves, which makes it well suited to midground placement on hardscape rather than the large size of the wild form.

Taxonomy

• Family: Araceae
• Genus: Anubias
• Scientific name: Anubias afzelii 'Compacta'

Habitat

Anubias afzelii is native to West Africa, recorded from Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali. It grows in wet, shady places, generally emersed but sometimes completely submerged, which is the basis for its use as a submersed aquarium plant.

Tank requirements

• Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• GH: 3-12 °dGH
• Lighting: low; avoid strong direct light to limit algae
• CO2: not required
• Growth rate: slow
• Maximum height: about 25 cm
• Placement: midground epiphyte on rock or driftwood

Planting and care

Anubias is an epiphyte and should not be buried in substrate; the rhizome is attached to rock or driftwood with thread or glue, and burying it causes the rhizome to rot. Low to moderate light is sufficient, and keeping light modest helps prevent algae on the slow-growing leaves. The plant is hardy and low-maintenance, making it suitable for low-tech and shaded tanks. Its low nutrient demand means it does not require CO2.

Propagation

Propagation is by rhizome division: the rhizome is cut into sections, each retaining healthy roots and leaves, and the new pieces are reattached to hardscape.