This Anubias species is known for its long, pointed leaves and its potential for impressive size, which makes it an excellent midground or background plant!
Anubias Lanceolata (Anubias heterophylla “Lanceolata”) is a species that has potential for rather large growth. Like virtually all Anubiasplants, it is extremely hardy, undemanding, and can thrive in a variety of water parameters. It has long, pointed leaves that are different than several other related species and varieties. It is slow-growing and can thrive in a low-light, low-tech setup.
Care for Anubias Lanceolata is identical to other Anubias plants. Its ideal placement in the aquarium is in the midground to background, and it will look best under low to moderate lighting. Excessive lighting can result in unattractive, pesky algae growth on its leaves. However, this algae growth can easily be kept under control in an aquarium with a healthy population of shrimp (especially Amano Shrimp) that will constantly graze on the algae without harming the plant itself. Most herbivorous animals will not harm Anubias Lanceolata whatsoever, although some bio-film or ”wood-eating” Panaque genus plecos may “chew” holes in its leaves. Larger crayfish species can also be a threat.
Like many Anubias species, this plant is slow and steady in growth and does not seem to respond significantly to CO2 supplementation. It best thrives when attached to driftwood or rockwork. This plant can be planted in the substrate, but its rhizome (roots) must not be buried in the substrate because it will rot and recede. It can also be planted emersed in terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums.
Like most plants, Anubias Lanceolata may benefit from supplementation such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, nitrogen, and other plant supplements.
