Anubias gracilis

Overview: Anubias gracilis, from the family Araceae, is a wider and more elegant variety of Anubias that is often found along the rainforest rivers of West Africa. It occurs as a seasonally flooded plant that aquarists can grow as an epiphyte for the hardscape. Being a robust and least demanding aquarium plant, Anubias gracilis is suitable for beginners. It is also recommended for the cichlid tanks. Anubias gracilis is a slow grower; however, it attains a good height when provided with the right water parameters and fertilizers. In submerged conditions, the plant stays smaller than in the emersed condition. It is suitable not only for tanks but also for paludaria, where it attains a considerable size in less time. Since Anubias gracilis has large leaves, it can be used as a mid-ground or background plant. 

Appearance: Anubias gracilis has large triangular leaves with long and slender petioles. The plant looks very elegant and makes the tank look unique. The length of leaf blades can reach 5 to 8 cm and breadth 4 to 6 cm in underwater conditions. The characteristic triangular or heart-shaped leaves on 30 to 40 cm long stalk make it look very attractive. The rhizome of the plant creeps at the bottom and can give rise to new plants. The thickness of the rhizome is around 1 to 1.5 cm. the green-colored and heart-shaped leaves give a lush-green appearance to the aquarium. 

Hard/Soft Plant- Anubias gracilis is a hard and sturdy plant with very few requirements. It can survive well under wider water parameters. 

Ideal water temperature- 12 to 30 degrees Celsius is the most suitable water temperature range for Anubias gracilis. Under this temperature range, the plant thrives well and shows lush green color on the leaves. The general hardness of water can range from 0 - 30°dGH.

Lightening conditions- Low to medium light intensity is perfect for the growth of Anubias gracilis. 

Ideal pH level: The ideal pH ranges between 5-and 7.

Propagation- Anubias gracilis propagate through the rhizome. While planting anubias for the first time in the tank, make sure that rhizomes are kept above the substrate. They should not be buried too deep as, in such cases, they will rot, and the plant will die. The best way of propagating Anubias gracilis is by dividing the rhizome into smaller pieces as each piece will grow into a new plant. 

Do you know- Attaching Anubias gracilis into rocks, caves, wood, etc., is one of the best ways to grow it in the tank. Another way is to leave them to grow on the substrate. Within a few days, the plant adjusts to the new environment and shows prolific growth.