anubias: species and propagation

the genus anubias belongs to the araceae family and contains approx. 8 members, all native to africa. they can be grown aquatic or semi-aquatic and tolerate low light such as most water conditions.

anubias barteri var. nana

anubias can easily be propagated by division. but they are slow growers so don’t expect more than two or three leaves a month.

a similar-looking plant is the related spathiphyllum wallisii (peace lily). here in germany it is sometimes sold as a water plant but will tolerate those conditions only for a few weeks.

spathiphyllum wallisii

propagation by division

the propagation of anubias is not difficult. just split off the rhizome in as many parts as you like. the cuttings do best with two or three leaves. but it will even work if they have only one.

by the fact that anubias are not the fastest growers, it can last several weeks before new leaves will be shown.

the members of the genus anubias can also be grown from seeds. but they are very hard to get.