© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Anubias heterophylla
Anubias heterophylla is one of the larger-growing members of the Anubias family, sending up oval to lance-shaped, leathery leaves on long stalks. Its leaf edges often have a gentle wave, giving it a distinctive look that makes a strong centerpiece in an aquascape. Though it naturally grows in marshy habitats, it adapts easily to being kept fully submerged, and underwater specimens tend to stay noticeably more compact than those grown on land. Hardy and low-maintenance, it's a perennial well suited to aquarists just getting started with aquatic plants.
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Apply as a growerAnubias heterophylla key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Size
- 25–60 cm tall; blades 10–38 cm long
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Watering
- Grows without CO2 or fertiliser
- Lighting
- Tolerates low light; strong light encourages algae on the leaves.
- CO2 & Fertilizer
- Grows without CO2; additions speed growth.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Optimum 22–26°C; grows at pH 5–8.
- Substrate & Attachment
- The rhizome rots easily if buried. Tie it to driftwood or stone with fishing line, or plant it with the rhizome resting on top of the substrate.
- Trimming & Propagation
- Propagate by dividing the rhizome; cut old leaves at the base.
- Cautions
- Its long petioles make it a background plant for large tanks. Never release plants into the wild.
About Anubias heterophylla
Anubias heterophylla is a large-growing Anubias with wavy, leathery leaves on long stalks. Easy to grow fully submerged and more compact underwater, it's a beginner-friendly perennial aquatic plant.
7 things to know before growing Anubias heterophylla
1Low Light Is Enough
This plant doesn't need strong direct light and does fine under typical indoor tank lighting. Keeping light levels moderate rather than intense also helps limit algae growth.
2Don't Bury the Rhizome
The rhizome of Anubias heterophylla tends to rot if buried in the substrate. Instead, attach it to driftwood or rock with thread or plant-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to the water.
3No Special Substrate Needed
Since it isn't grown by rooting into the substrate, there's no need for nutrient-rich aquasoil. Ordinary gravel or sand works fine for anchoring the driftwood or rock it's attached to.
4Propagate by Dividing
Once the rhizome has grown and the leaves become crowded, you can divide it with a knife into separate sections. Each piece can then be attached to its own driftwood or rock to grow as a new plant.
5Avoid Sudden Temperature Swings
As a perennial, it can be kept for years, but extreme heat, cold, or sudden temperature swings can damage the leaves. A heater or chiller that keeps tank temperature stable helps it stay healthy.
6Trim Damaged Leaves Promptly
Remove old, blackened, or algae-covered leaves near the base rather than leaving them in place. Leaving damaged leaves on can affect the appearance and condition of the whole clump.
7Check the Rhizome When Choosing a Plant
When selecting a specimen, look beyond leaf color and check whether the rhizome is discolored or mushy. A plant with a firm, healthy rhizome will attach and establish more reliably.
Frequently asked questions about Anubias heterophylla
- Q.Is it suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, Anubias heterophylla is hardy and considered easy to grow, making it a good choice for beginners. It doesn't require intense lighting or CO2 injection, and basic care is enough to keep it thriving long-term.
- Q.Can it be grown emersed, out of water?
- A.Since it naturally grows in marshy habitats, yes, it can be grown emersed as well as submerged. Grown emersed, it tends to reach a larger size than when kept fully submerged.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It typically reaches about 25 to 60 cm in height, with leaf blades roughly 10 to 38 cm long. Plants kept fully submerged tend to stay more compact than those grown emersed.
- Q.Can I plant it directly in the substrate?
- A.This isn't recommended, since the rhizome tends to rot if buried. Instead, attach it to driftwood or rock so the rhizome stays exposed to the water.
- Q.How long can I keep it growing?
- A.As a perennial, it can be kept growing for many years under suitable conditions. Dividing the rhizome also lets you multiply your stock while continuing to enjoy the plant long-term.
Handy Growing Tools for Anubias heterophylla
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