Anubias hastifolia

Anubias hastifolia is a large-growing West and Central African Anubias species distinguished by its uniquely shaped hastate leaves — a botanical term describing a spear or arrowhead shape with prominent, outward-pointing basal lobes on either side of the leaf stem junction. This distinctive shape, reminiscent of a broad arrowhead or the head of a halberd, immediately separates hastifolia from the oval, rounded, or lance-shaped leaves of most other Anubias species. The leaves are medium to dark green, leathery, glossy on the upper surface, and grow on long, upright petioles from a thick, creeping rhizome. Individual leaves can reach 20–30 cm in length on mature specimens, making this a genuinely large plant suited to aquariums of 80 liters and above. In its natural habitat, Anubias hastifolia grows along shaded riverbanks and in the spray zones of waterfalls in West and Central Africa. Like all Anubias species, it is an epiphyte that thrives when attached to driftwood and rock without substrate planting. The large, distinctive leaves are extremely robust and physically tough — resistant to damage from large fish, strong water flow, and rough handling. Anubias hastifolia is slower-growing than Java Fern but considerably more durable, making it an excellent choice for medium to large African biotope aquariums alongside Congo Tetras and West African dwarf cichlids. It performs well in low to moderate light without CO2 supplementation. The characteristic hastate leaf shape adds an unmistakable sculptural element to the tank, particularly when multiple plants are arranged along a piece of driftwood.

Water Parameters Maintain pH 6.0–7.5 and temperature 20–28 °C. Anubias hastifolia adapts to soft to moderately hard water and is tolerant of the wide range of conditions typical in tropical community aquariums.

Lighting Low to moderate light (20–65 µmol) is recommended. The large leaf area is susceptible to algae under high light. Position the plant in the shaded background or beneath surface-covering floating plants to recreate its natural canopied habitat.

Attachment Secure the rhizome to large pieces of driftwood or against rocks using aquarium thread or gel glue. The long-stalked leaves benefit from attachment points on elevated driftwood, allowing them to arch naturally and display the distinctive hastate leaf shape effectively.

CO2 and Fertilization CO2 injection is not required. Supplement with a comprehensive liquid fertilizer twice weekly to support the nutritional demands of the large leaf area. Iron and micronutrients are particularly important for maintaining deep green foliage.

Aquascape and Biotope Use Anubias hastifolia is an excellent choice for West African biotope aquariums. Pair it with Bolbitis heudelotii, African Water Fern, Congo Tetras, and West African dwarf cichlids (Pelvicachromis species) for an authentic representation of African tropical river habitats.

Algae Management Large leaf surfaces accumulate algae over the plant's slow leaf-turnover cycle. Nerite snails and Otocinclus are effective allies. Reduce light, increase surface agitation to improve CO2 turnover, and perform regular water changes to keep the water column clean.

Propagation Divide the long rhizome into sections, each with at least 2–3 healthy leaves. Reattach to hardscape immediately.