Anubias afzelii

Anubias afzelii is a statuesque species from the coastal rainforest streams of Sierra Leone and Guinea, producing elongated, somewhat leathery leaves on relatively tall petioles that can bring the total plant height to 45 cm or more. The elongated leaf shape is intermediate between the lance-like narrowness of lanceolata and the broader form of barteri var. barteri, giving it a balanced, refined appearance.

In the aquarium it excels as a background Anubias, providing upright height and structural presence without the overwhelming scale of gigantea. It is well suited to tanks of 80 litres and above where it can develop freely without crowding. The rhizome should be secured to large pieces of driftwood or sturdy rock formations.

Like all Anubias, afzelii is fully manageable by beginners and is compatible with virtually all freshwater fish and invertebrates. It is a rewarding species to grow for aquascapers who want tall, bold-leafed background plants outside the usual Echinodorus and Vallisneria options.

Light: low to medium; the tall petioles naturally position leaves at higher light zones in the water column. CO2: not required; optional CO2 slightly improves the pace of leaf production. Fertilisation: regular liquid fertiliser dosing supports the tall, large-leaved growth; iron and potassium are especially beneficial. Placement: background on large driftwood or rock; tall petioles allow leaves to reach mid-water for good visibility. Propagation: divide the elongated rhizome into sections of 3–4 leaves and reattach firmly to substantial hardscape.