Anubias Lanceolata
Plant Profile
If the typical round leaves of standard Anubias feel a bit too basic for your grand vision, Anubias Lanceolata is here to bring some serious vertical power. True to its spear-inspired name, this epiphyte throws out long, slender, lance-shaped leaves that reach toward the light with impressive height. It effortlessly breaks up the monotony of broader, stockier foliage to give your midground or background a sleek, sharp, and regal presence. And like the rest of its indestructible family, it laughs off sub-optimal water parameters and has no problems transitioning between fully submerged aquariums and humid emersed setups.
Key Features & Benefits
- Long, slender, spear-like foliage adds dramatic vertical structure and dynamic texture that contrasts against round-leaved companions.
- Expansive leaf reach provides a sleek, tall profile ideal for filling midground crevices and background areas in medium-to-large aquariums.
- Durable foliage naturally resists grazing from fish, snails, and shrimp.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Attach to hardscape using aquarium‑safe glue or thread; keep the rhizome above substrate to prevent rot.
- Maintain stable conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce leaf loss.
- Avoid intense light and ensure good water flow to prevent spot algae on slow‑growing leaves.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth and leaf density.
- Learn more about planting these species by reading our guide on How to Plant Epiphyte Aquatic Plants.
- Master long-term care and propagation with the article All About Anubias Aquarium Plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anubias lanceolata / Anubias afzelii |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Lanceolata, Anubias Afzelii |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Midground, Background |
| Height / Size | 6-10 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 9.0 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Separate by Rhizome Division |
| Origin | West Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Anubias Lanceolata?
Attach the plant directly to driftwood or rocks using aquarium-safe super glue gel, thread, or fishing line. Keep the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot.
2. Does it require CO2 or high lighting?
No. It is a classic low-light plant that thrives without specialized CO2 equipment. While added CO2 will speed up growth and foliage density, it thrives happily in low-tech aquariums.
3. Is this plant safe for shrimp, snails, and fish?
Yes, Anubias is 100% safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp (including sensitive Caridina and Neocaridina), and snails. Its tough leaves are also resistant to plant-eating fish like cichlids or goldfish.