Propagating Anubias barteri 'Pangolino'

Propagating the tiny Anubias barteri 'Pangolino' cultivar by careful rhizome division: small sections with several leaves, glued or tied to nano hardscape, rhizome never buried.

Overview

Anubias barteri 'Pangolino' is a dwarf cultivar of Anubias barteri, the West African aroid first described in 1860 and found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, and Bioko. It is regarded as the smallest Anubias, with tiny narrow textured leaves on a fine creeping rhizome. As an epiphyte it grows tethered to rocks and wood rather than rooted in substrate, and like the whole species it is a very slow grower.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Pangolino is propagated by rhizome division or by separating side shoots, just like its parent species. The miniature rhizome is cut into pieces, each keeping its own leaves and roots; leaf cuttings are not used. Because the plant is so small, divisions are correspondingly delicate.

• Aim to keep at least 3-4 leaves on each tiny division so it can sustain itself.
• Separating an established side shoot is the gentlest way to make a new plant.
• Mount divisions onto small stones or twigs, echoing how the species attaches to litter such as rocks and wood.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift the clump and gently rinse it so the slender rhizome is visible.
2. Find a point that leaves at least 3-4 leaves on each side and make one clean cut with sterile scissors.
3. Fix each division to a small stone or twig with a dot of super glue gel, or tie it with fine thread.
4. Press for about 30 seconds until the glue sets, keeping the rhizome itself exposed above the surface.
5. Return the divisions to clean, gently flowing water and allow several weeks for new growth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Like all Anubias barteri forms, Pangolino tolerates a broad lighting range and grows fine in modest light; in stronger light leaves come faster and stay compact. Keep the temperature in the 22-28 C (72-82 F) range with clean water and gentle flow. No CO2 is required, and the hardy leaves resist melting on submersion.

Maintenance

This is an extremely slow grower, so trimming is rarely needed. Give divisions several weeks to settle before expecting fresh leaves. A light fertiliser dose eases the transition into a new tank, and removing any decaying leaf promptly keeps the nano clump healthy.

Common Challenges

Patience is the biggest challenge: as the smallest and slowest Anubias, Pangolino can take several weeks to show new leaves after division, so resist the urge to disturb it.