Propagating Anubias Afzelii

How to propagate the tall, lance-leaved Anubias afzelii by rhizome division, attach it to hardscape, and grow this slow West African epiphyte.

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.