Anubias Gracilis

Anubias Gracilis - Arrow-shaped Spear Leaf with Neat Growth Structure

The Anubias Gracilis is an elegant aquarium plant with characteristic arrow-shaped leaves and longer stems, giving it a neater and more organized appearance than other Anubias species. While most Anubias species have leaves that grow in all directions, the Anubias Gracilis grows in a more structured way, resulting in a neat and elegant appearance. This plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and is perfect for the middle and back of your aquarium.

Why choose the Anubias Gracilis?

• Neat growth structure: Longer stems provide an orderly, elegant appearance
• Arrow-shaped leaves: Characteristic elegant leaf structure
• Unique growth habit: Grows neater than other Anubias varieties
• Medium size: Maximum 30cm high, perfect for middle and back zone
• Iron loving: Likes loose soil with lots of iron for optimal growth
• Low light requirements: Ideal for aquariums with little lighting
• Versatile placement: on wood, stone or in loose soil

Care and Placement

The Anubias Gracilis is a rhizome plant, meaning the rootstock (rhizome) should not be buried under sand or gravel to prevent rot. However, this plant prefers loose soil with plenty of iron. You can use the plant in various ways:

• In loose soil: Plant the rhizome just above the substrate with a lot of iron for optimal growth
• On decoration: Attach to driftwood or stones with thin wire or aquarium glue
• Middle and back zone: Perfect for both zones depending on aquarium size
• Iron Fertilization: Add iron fertilizer regularly for best results

The plant grows slowly but forms a neat, structured appearance. Over time, the plant naturally attaches itself with its roots to the decorative material or continues to grow into the soil.

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Center & back zone | on wood and/or stone
• Maximum height: 30 cm
• Leaf type: Arrow-shaped with longer stems
• Leaf color: Dark green
• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 5.0-8.0
• KH: 0-21
• CO2: 5-40 mg/l (not required, but promotes growth)
• Light requirements: Little
• Origin: Africa
• Family: Araceae
• Type: Rhizome plant
• Dutch name: Arrow-shaped Spear Leaf
• Propagation: By division of the rhizome
• Special feature: Likes loose soil with a lot of iron.

Perfect for Structured Aquascapes

The Anubias Gracilis is ideal for aquascapers looking for a neat, organized plant. It's perfect for:

• Nature Aquarium style with structured planting
• Aquariums with iron-rich substrate
• Middle and back zone in larger aquariums
• Biotope aquariums (African biotopes)
• Low-tech aquariums with little light
• Aquascapes where you want a neat, well-groomed appearance
• In contrast to more wild growing plants

Combination tips

Combine Anubias Gracilis with smaller Anubias varieties like Anubias Nana (front zone) for a layered effect. It also complements other structured plants like Echinodorus or Vallisneria perfectly. For a natural look, combine the plant with driftwood and stones. Don't forget to regularly apply iron fertilizer for optimal growth and color.