Beyond the popular broad-leafed Anubias barteri found in fish stores lies a little-known Asian cousin – Anubias gracilis. First collected by Japanese enthusiasts exploring Southeast Asian tropical rivers in the 1990s, this aquatic variety immediately stood out for its graceful lanceolate foliage and vivid emerald tones.
Though slower growing than the commonly traded Anubias cultivars, A. gracilis finds favor for its elegant texture and hardiness once settled into aquariums. Its tidy compact size allows creative use as delicate accent plants or decorative emergent foliage.
If you appreciate refined greenery, read on to discover the ornamental delights and simple cultivation secrets of graceful Anubias gracilis.
Anubias Gracilis Overview
Native Habitat and Features Anubias gracilis naturally occurs across parts of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia in gentle mineral-poor streams and jungle runoff pools shaded by tropical canopy trees. It often appears as lush clusters emergent from or floating within sluggish backwaters rich in leaf litter and organic debris.
Thin green stems with alternating oval leaves emerge from a dense mat of fine hairy roots and yellow-green rhizomes. Given ideal conditions, foliage may reach up to 5 inches in length while entire specimens span just a few inches across. Growth unfolds slowly but steadily once established in aquariums or emergent set-ups.
Aquarium Care Guidelines
Water Parameters
Replicate the following soft, warm, flowing conditions typical of its Southeast Asian homes:
● Temperature – 74°F – 82°F
● pH – 6.0 to 7.5
● Water Hardness – 1 to 8 KH/GH
● Water Flow – Low to moderate
Given clean, stable water parameters, Anubias gracilis withstands more fluctuations than other delicate collector’s plants. But consistency remains key to coaxing the most vigorous, eye-catching stems.
Light Requirements
While tolerant of moderate illumination, ideal conditions include brightly shaded daylight or aquarium lighting around 75-100 micromols PAR at the rhizome level for at least 8 hours daily. Adjust LED panels or hanging fluorescent fixtures to provide upper medium intensity lighting tailored to this jungle plant’s lighting needs.
Substrate Selection
Nutrient-rich sediment offers negligible benefits thanks to the rhizome’s miserly supply hoarding. Instead ensure stable root zones using rounded gravel, plant-specific aquasoil blends, or non-degrading mineral media that won’t ruin water quality as smaller particles decompose. Laterite clay also enhances supplementation.
Planting Positions
Creative possibilities exist thanks to Anubias gracilis’ petite footprint. Grow fully submerged portions as:
● Shaded midground accent plants
● Delicate epiphytes attached to hardscape
● Dim foreground carpeting
● Contrasting texture against broad-leaf specimens
Cultivate emersed tendrils incorporated into:
● Partially submerged paludariums
● Marginal aquatic gardens
● Riparian bins
● Emergent wetlands
Allow ample space between rhizomes for water flow access. Gently push roots into substrates if anchoring portions underwater.
Care and Maintenance
Once established, A. gracilis requires only basic care to sustain delicate beauty long-term:
● Feed mineral supplements or root tabs with monthly 25% water changes
● Prune unwanted runners or move divisions wherever desired
● Wipe leaves of accumulated dust during tank maintenance
● Remove any sections overcome by black beard algae
Proper planting locations minimizes pruning and shaping. But divisions readily generate new plants when snipped rhizome sections grow fresh shoots!
Propagation
Propagating emergent growth involves draping cuttings over moist media until aerial roots establish. Then sever fully rooted new plants during seasonal divisions.
Submerged specimens transplant easily too – slice sections with a few leaves and roots still attached and anchor in place with gel or rocks until water rooted. Propagating floating cuttings also works by allowing wandering segments to re-root before separating.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Curled leaves – Fluctuating water conditions often triggers temporary curling as plants adapt. Ensure optimal, steady parameters.
- Black brush algae – Manually remove what you can reach by hand without harming Anubias. Then address underlying causes like high organics and poor water flow.
- Yellow foliage – Can indicate micronutrient deficiencies if newer leaves lose green coloration. Analyze chemistry and supplement accordingly.
Catch any problems early before they impact growth and require major trimming. Overall though, Anubias gracilis persists through routine seasonal husbandry once firmly established.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Anubias gracilis grow?
Around 5 inches tall and 3-4 inches wide once mature over a few years. It’s among the most compact aquatic Anubias varieties.
Can goldfish or cichlids eat Anubias?
Rarely. Their bitter mineral-rich cell structure deters most species except dedicated aquatic plant nibblers.
Is Co2 injection mandatory?
Not at all – it survives just fine at ambient tank levels. Supplement if desiring maximum growth potential.
Can Anubias grow above water or just submerged?
Anubias foliage transitions seamlessly between aquatic and emergent aerial environments. It’s equally at home in both soaked and humidly exposed positions!
Conclusion
Among aquarium plants, few compare to Anubias gracilis for bringing delicate textures contrasting beautifully against broader-leafed companions. Given bright shade, clean water and a nourishing root system, A. gracilis’ graceful greenery thrives submerged or emergent for years with basic care. Display this Asian native’s fine-lined aquatic art either as a decorative accent or serene aquatic garden focal point. Before long, such graceful greenery steals attention while remaining delightfully low-maintenance long after admiring its elegance becomes habit rather than novelty
