Anubias 'Nangi' Care Guide
Anubias 'Nangi' is a hybrid epiphyte of the Araceae family, a slow-growing rhizome plant kept attached to wood or rock in shaded freshwater aquariums.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias 'Nangi' is a cultivated hybrid within the genus Anubias, a flowering plant group of the family Araceae native to tropical central and western Africa. Like other members of the genus, it is an epiphyte that grows attached to surfaces rather than rooted in substrate. It is a slow-growing, robust plant suited to shaded freshwater aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias 'Nangi'
- Type: cultivated hybrid
Habitat
The genus Anubias occurs in tropical central and western Africa, where the plants grow primarily in rivers and streams and may also be found in marshes. They favour shaded aquatic environments, which is reflected in their tolerance of subdued lighting in cultivation. As a hybrid, 'Nangi' has no wild range of its own but inherits the shade-loving habit of its parent species.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Lighting: low / subdued
- CO2: not required
- Maximum height: about 15 cm
- Placement: epiphyte (wood, rock)
Growth and placement
Anubias plants are slow-growing and generally prefer subdued lighting; stronger light can promote faster, more compact growth but also encourages algae on the slow leaves. The rhizome must remain above the substrate, tethered to wood or rock, because a buried rhizome may rot. Anubias grows well both partially and fully submersed.
Propagation
Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. Each division should retain several leaves and a portion of healthy rhizome before being re-attached to a surface.
Propagating Anubias 'Nangi': Rhizome Division for a Hardy Hybrid
Overview
Anubias 'Nangi' is a hardy aquarium hybrid of the genus Anubias, an aroid (family Araceae) native to tropical central and western Africa, where the plants grow in rivers, streams and marshes. It is prized for elongated, pointy leaves and thick, strong foliage, growing horizontally along its rhizome while sending leaves upward.
Like all Anubias it is a slow grower that tolerates a wide range of water parameters, prefers subdued light and needs no CO2. It is grown as an epiphyte on wood or rock, and is propagated by dividing the rhizome rather than by cuttings.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Anubias reproduces through rhizome (stolon) division or by separating side shoots. A longer rhizome is cut into smaller pieces with a blade or scissors, and each piece grows into a new plant. Each division must retain several leaves so it can sustain itself while re-establishing.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a well-established 'Nangi' whose rhizome has lengthened and carries several leaves.
- With a sharp, clean blade, cut the rhizome into segments, each with 3-4 leaves and roots; make a single clean cut.
- Mount each division on driftwood or rock using cotton thread or super-glue gel, leaving the rhizome fully exposed.
- Place the mount under subdued light in clean, stable water; new leaves typically appear after several weeks.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
- Lighting: low to subdued; shaded placement helps keep leaves algae-free.
- Temperature: roughly 22-28 C.
- CO2: not required; 'Nangi' is undemanding and acclimates to varied parameters.
- Placement: epiphytic on wood or rock; its dense growth suits the midground.
Maintenance
Maintain clean, filtered water with low organic waste to keep this slow grower algae-free, and keep the rhizome exposed. Expect a long acclimation: a newly mounted division may take several weeks before sprouting new leaves. Trim old or damaged leaves at the base.
Common Challenges
Slow leaf turnover means algae can settle on older leaves; reduce light intensity and keep waste low. Patience is essential, as 'Nangi' takes weeks to settle into a new tank.