Propagating Anubias Gilletii: Rhizome Division Guide

Propagate Anubias gilletii, the heart-leaf Anubias, by rhizome division: how to split, attach to wood or rock, and grow this hardy Central African epiphyte.

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.