Anubias barteri 'Lanceolata'

Anubias Lanceolata Growing & Care Guide

Anubias Lanceolata is a classic, vertical midground species of water rhizome plant. Prized for its long, lanceolate (spear-shaped) dark-green leaves that form robust, tall bushes, this extremely hardy African native is a premier choice for low-maintenance aquariums and community community setups.

Lighting Low to Moderate

Water Parameter Aquatic (pH 6.0-7.8)

Substrate Epiphytic (Driftwood / Rock)

Water Temp 20°C - 28°C

Toxicity Pet Friendly (Non-toxic)

Botanical macro photography of Anubias Lanceolata (Anubias barteri 'Lanceolata') - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Anubias Lanceolata

Anubias Lanceolata (Anubias barteri 'Lanceolata') has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Upright vertical clumps of slender, spear-shaped hard dark-green leaves.
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Leaf Morphology: Lanceolate, thick green leaves (up to 8-10 inches tall) with smooth edges and prominent midribs.
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Root & Anchoring Structure: Thick creeping horizontal rhizome producing strong anchor roots that bind to rocks or wood.

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Complete Cultivation & Spawning Guide

Follow our detailed scientific water parameters and care guides to keep your Anubias Lanceolata thriving.

pH: 6.0 - 7.8, GH: 3 - 18 dGH. Extremely resilient, adapting easily to soft or hard water conditions.

Low. Grows perfectly without pressurized CO2, though supplemental carbon enhances leaf thickness and size.

Low to moderate lighting. High intensity light will coat its slow-growing leaves with green spot algae.

Cut off old, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves at the base of the rhizome using sterilized scissors.

An water-column feeder. Relies heavily on comprehensive liquid fertilizers; substrate feeding is not needed.

Do not bury the horizontal rhizome! Tie or glue the roots onto driftwood or rocks. Submerging the rhizome will rot the plant.

Optimal temperature is 20°C to 28°C (68°F - 82.4°F). Highly sensitive to cold winter shocks below 15°C.

Requires steady water circulation. Good current prevents organic waste and algae spores from landing on broad leaves.

Its tough, leathery leaves make it cichlid-resistant. Provides excellent cover for community fish and shrimp.

Slow growth makes it prime target for Black Brush Algae. Keep phosphates low, and employ Siamese Algae Eaters.

Attach to midground rocks or roots. Leave spacing of 3 to 4 inches from neighboring rosettes to allow lateral growth.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Anubias Rot (Bacterial)

Symptoms: Creeping rhizome turns soft, mushy, and smelly, with leaves falling off completely.

Action: Caused by burying the rhizome in gravel or low water flow. Cut off rotted tissue and disinfect remaining rhizome in a clean water container.

Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)

Symptoms: Mature spear leaves lose their deep green color, turning pale lime-green or yellow.

Action: Dose a comprehensive liquid micro-nutrient fertilizer containing chelated iron weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Lanceolata?

The name refers to 'lanceolate', describing its unique elongated, spearhead-like leaf morphology.

How do I propagate Anubias Lanceolata?

Propagate easily by cutting the creeping rhizome into sections with a clean blade. Ensure each segment has at least 3-4 healthy leaves.

Can I plant it in the gravel?

Only if you bury the roots while keeping the creeping green horizontal rhizome completely exposed above the gravel. Tieing it to wood is much safer.

How tall does it grow?

It is one of the tallest Anubias species, easily reaching 8 to 10 inches under stable conditions, making it excellent for midground placement.