Attitude:
versatile. Mid-range position
Breed:
easy-care
Size:
5 to 24 cm
Temperature:
22 to 26 degrees Celsius
pH:
6.0 to 8.5
GH:
8 to 15º
CH:
2 to 15°
Look
Tomas Čekanavičius, Anubias barteri barteri, CC BY-SA 3.0
Anubias (spear leaf) is an aquarium plant popular with both experienced and novice aquarists. With its large, dark green, heart-shaped and pointed leaves, it adorns the underwater landscape in a particularly decorative way.
When the spear leaf blooms, it becomes a visual highlight in the aquarium. Depending on the species, the plant flowers above or below the water. The identification of the flower is a single leaf with a spadix surrounded by an open sheath. The color is white to slightly yellowish. The male flower is located at the top of the spadix and consists of 3 to 5 stamens. In contrast, the lower buttock section is female and has the fertile stigmas.
The flower stalk is short or long depending on the species. In order to promote flowering in the aquarium, high phosphate values against spot algae are necessary. A quantity of 2 mg per liter is considered the best value. In addition, in some species, more light has an effect on flowering. Berry fruits can form after several days. Each berry gives rise to numerous seeds for reproduction. Not all of the Anubias species available in this country belong in an aquarium.
Subspecies of Anubias
Here is a selection of the three suitable subspecies:
Anubias barteri var. nana – dwarf spear leaf:
With a size between 5 and 15 cm, it is the smallest subspecies of the underwater plant. In terms of appearance and size, it fits particularly well in small to medium-sized aquarium tanks.
Anubias barteri var. barteri – Broad-leaved Spear Leaf:
As can be assumed, the species develops large and broad leaves. These shine in a strong dungle green. Overall, the plant reaches a height of up to 20 cm.
Anubias barteri var. caladifolia – caladium-leaved spear leaf:
This Anubias barteri species is the largest of the three specimens. Its stately leaves reach a length of about 24 cm. However, its growth is more delicate than that of its relatives and the color reaches a lighter green.
All of these Spearblatt species are slow growers. As a result, they decorate the aquarium for several months.
distribution
As a swamp and aquatic plant, Anubias is native to swamps or the edges of water bodies in tropical to subtropical West and Central Africa.
The plant can be found in the countries: Southeast Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone. If it flowers on a stem above water, it not only looks particularly extravagant, but is even ready for pollination.
husbandry conditions
The Anubias is versatile in the aquarium. It is extremely robust and grows well even with a lack of care. She feels at home in both cold and warm water and also thrives in areas with little light. While the leaves remain identical in a bright location, they tend to be overgrown by algae if they are far too bright. The large leaves not only look attractive, but also provide a safe shelter for the water dwellers.
During maintenance, the aquarium water has an ideal temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. The CO2 content is sufficient for the growth of the spear blade and does not have to be supplied additionally. If the plant suffers from iron deficiency, the leaves change their strong green color to a pale to almost colorless tone. This can be remedied by an appropriate fertilizer, enriched with the missing substance.
Since the Anubias grows relatively slowly, it can be planned for in the long term and does not require any additional care by cutting. However, if a cut is desired and there are shrimp in the aquarium, the operation should be carried out outside the tank. Because oxalic acid can get into the water through the open cut surfaces and damage the shellfish.
As an epiphytic or classic binder plant, the spear leaf does not have to be planted in the tank floor. In particular, smaller species such as Anubias barteri var. Nana sit perfectly on rigid installations such as: larger stones, potsherds, branches, roots, caves, wooden objects or on filter mats. On the other hand, larger species such as Anubias barteri var. Caladifolia are better planted in permeable and loose sandy soil.
When untying, the Anubias should first be fixed. A special glue for aquarium plants is the perfect helper for this. Alternatively, fishing line, nylon thread or sewing thread are also suitable. Once the plant has attached roots and is self-sustaining, the attachment material can be removed.
propagation
If you want more than one spear blade, multiply it. Propagation via seeds is not advisable, as this is very tedious. Dividing the rhizomes is better. To do this, carefully dissect the thick root stem from which the leaves sprout in the middle. It is important that at least two leaves sprout from each part. The individual parts are buried in the aquarium to root them.
particularities
Anubias are spurned by most plant nibblers because of their bitter substances. For this reason, they are particularly suitable for an aquarium with perch. They despise the leaves because of the ingredients.
By the way: The Anubias are not only available in pots, but also for direct decoration in the aquarium. Then the plants are already firmly attached to fixtures (roots or stones).