Anubias hastifolia

Anubias Hastifolia Growing & Care Guide

Anubias Hastifolia is an incredibly unique, large-growing vertical species of water rhizome plant native to West African rivers. It is celebrated for its spectacular, arrow-shaped (hastate) leaves held on long vertical stalks. Growing up to 12-16 inches tall, it serves as an elite background structural anchor, particularly in larger tanks and paludariums.

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 Hastifolia (Anubias hastifolia) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Anubias Hastifolia

Anubias Hastifolia (Anubias hastifolia) has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Large, upright vertical clumps of glossy green arrow-shaped leaves on long stems.
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Leaf Morphology: Uniquely hastate (three-lobed, shaped like a classic arrow or戟) hard green leaves on very long petioles.
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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 Hastifolia 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.

Best placed in the background. Secure onto tall driftwood structures or back-wall lava rock stacks.

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.

Potassium Deficiency

Symptoms: Mature leaves develop tiny, dark-rimmed holes that grow larger, causing the leaf to drop.

Action: Dose liquid potassium weekly to support leaf structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Hastifolia' mean?

The name comes from 'hastate', referring to its unique three-lobed arrow-like leaf shape resembling an ancient spearhead or 戟.

How tall does it grow?

Under ideal conditions, its long stalks can grow up to 12-16 inches tall, making it one of the largest species in the Anubias genus.

Can it grow emersed?

Yes! In fact, it grows exceptionally well emersed in open-top paludariums or humid greenhouse setups, often producing elegant white flowers.

How do I plant it?

Tie or glue the thick horizontal rhizome to midground rocks or roots. Never bury the green rhizome in gravel or sand.