Anubias hastifolia

Anubias hastifolia

Okay, let’s discuss 

Anubias hastifolia in the context of Florida and aquarium/terrarium use.

1. What is Anubias hastifolia?

• Anubias hastifolia is a robust aquatic plant known for its tall, arrow-shaped leaves.
• It’s native to West Africa and is a popular choice for aquascaping due to its hardiness and low-maintenance nature.
• It grows relatively slowly, but its thick leaves are durable and can withstand nibbling from herbivorous fish. 

2. Growing Anubias hastifolia in Florida:

• Aquariums: It’s primarily grown in freshwater aquariums.
  • Lighting: Prefers low to moderate lighting, and too much light can promote algae growth on the leaves.
  • Water Parameters: Tolerates a wide range of water conditions (temperature, pH, and hardness).
  • Placement: Best suited for the midground to background areas of the aquarium.
• Terrariums/Paludariums: It can also be grown emersed in terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums.
• Outdoor Ponds: It might be possible to grow it outdoors in Florida’s climate, in shaded areas, provided water temperatures remain suitable and frost is avoided. 

3. Planting and Care:

• Rhizome: The rhizome (thick horizontal stem) should not be buried in the substrate, as it can rot.
• Attachment: Attach the rhizome to rocks or driftwood using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue.
• Fertilization: Liquid fertilizers can be used to promote growth, but it’s generally not necessary in setups with fish.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by dividing the rhizome. 

In Summary:

Anubias hastifolia is a great choice for Florida aquarium enthusiasts, offering a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually striking plant for a variety of tank setups. Its versatility allows it to thrive both submerged and emersed, adding to its appeal.