Anubias Hastifolia (Anubias hastifolia) Care Guide
One of the largest Anubias species with distinctive arrow-shaped (hastate) leaves on long petioles that can reach impressive sizes.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias hastifolia is an aquatic plant in the family Araceae. One of the largest Anubias species with distinctive arrow-shaped (hastate) leaves on long petioles that can reach impressive sizes. Best suited for large aquariums or paludariums where it can grow emersed, as its size makes it too dominant for most standard tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias hastifolia
- Other names: Spear-leaf Anubias
Habitat
Native to humid forests of tropical West Africa, where it grows emersed and semi-aquatic along shaded stream banks, rooting in moist soil among leaf litter. One of the larger species in the genus Anubias.
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 hastifolia: Rhizome Division
Overview
Anubias is a genus in the family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa, where the plants grow in rivers, streams and marshes. Anubias hastifolia is one of the largest species, recognisable by its long heart-shaped, arrow-like (hastate) leaves on tall petioles — leaf-stems can reach about 67 cm with leaves up to 33 cm long.
It is an epiphyte that grows from a thick horizontal rhizome, attaching to wood or rock rather than rooting in soil. Its size makes it best for large aquariums and paludariums, where it can grow emersed.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Anubias propagates by rhizome division (it can also make side shoots or set seed). The rhizome is the thick horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots grow; mature plants develop long rhizomes that can be cut to create new plants.
Each division should carry several leaves along with its own roots, then be attached to hardscape so the rhizome stays exposed.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a mature plant with a long rhizome bearing several leaves.
- With clean scissors, cut the rhizome into sections, each keeping at least three to four leaves and its own roots.
- Mount each section on driftwood or rock with sewing thread, or glue the roots in place with super glue gel, pressing for about 30 seconds.
- Apply glue to the roots only — do not smother the rhizome, and leave it exposed to the water.
- Place divisions in shaded, stable water and give them time to attach and grow.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Anubias prefers subdued lighting and thrives in shaded areas; no CO2 is needed. Growth is notably slow — A. hastifolia typically produces only a few leaves per year — and it does well around 22-27°C. Because herbivorous fish tend to avoid it, it suits cichlid and goldfish tanks.
- Lighting: low / subdued; shade tolerant.
- Temperature: roughly 22-27°C.
- CO2: not required.
- Best in large tanks or paludariums given its size; can grow emersed.
Maintenance
Slow growth means little routine work: keep the rhizome uncovered, remove old or damaged leaves, and only divide once the rhizome has lengthened over time. Given a few leaves a year, expect patience between divisions.
Common Challenges
Rhizome rot is the key risk and it almost always traces back to a buried or glue-smothered rhizome. Keep the rhizome exposed, glue only the roots, and provide stable, gently shaded conditions to avoid problems.