Anubias Gilletii (Anubias gilletii) Care Guide
A medium to large Anubias species with rounded to ovate leaves that have a distinctive leathery texture.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias gilletii is an aquatic plant in the family Araceae. A medium to large Anubias species with rounded to ovate leaves that have a distinctive leathery texture. Less commonly available than other Anubias species, it shares the same extreme hardiness and low-maintenance requirements, thriving even in challenging aquarium conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias gilletii
- Other names: Gillet's Anubias
Habitat
Native to the rainforests of Central Africa, with the type locality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Grows as an emersed herb on shaded riverbanks and seasonally inundated forest floors.
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: midground
- Maximum height: 30 cm
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by rhizome division.
Propagating Anubias Gilletii: Rhizome Division Guide
Overview
Anubias gilletii is a medium to large species of the genus Anubias, native to tropical central and western Africa, with rounded to ovate, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves of a leathery texture. Anubias primarily grow in rivers and streams but can also be found in marshes, and gilletii shares the genus's extreme hardiness, thriving even in challenging conditions.
It is an epiphyte: it is more likely to grow and thrive when the rhizome and roots are left exposed and attached to rock or driftwood instead of buried. Like other Anubias it can be grown submersed or emersed, and propagation is by rhizome division.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Anubias can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or from side shoots. Each division should retain its own roots and several leaves so it can recover. This vegetative method yields clones identical to the parent.
Step-by-Step
- Remove the parent plant and rinse the rhizome to reveal nodes, leaves and roots.
- Select a piece of rhizome with at least 3-4 leaves and its own roots attached.
- Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors so both parent and division keep leaves and roots.
- Tie or glue the division to driftwood or rock, leaving the rhizome resting on top of the surface.
- Set it in a shaded spot and leave it undisturbed while the roots anchor to the surface.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting and should be placed in shaded areas, otherwise algae will develop on the leaves. Growth is slow and no added CO2 is required; the plant feeds from the water column and its roots. Being a robust species, gilletii tolerates a range of conditions, but shade and stable water keep its leathery leaves clean and healthy.
Maintenance
- Keep the rhizome exposed and re-attach it if it works loose from wood or rock.
- Move the plant into shade if algae starts to form on the slow-growing leaves.
- Cut away only old or damaged leaves at the base; no routine trimming is needed.
- Be patient, as slow-growing divisions take weeks to months to root firmly.
Common Challenges
The leading cause of failure is burying the rhizome, which rots it. Algae on the leathery leaves signals too much light, so move gilletii to a shaded area. Because the species is rarer and slow-growing, take only sound divisions and give them ample time to establish before disturbing them.