Introduction
Anubias, a genus of aquatic plants native to tropical West Africa, is a popular choice for aquariums, aquascaping and terrariums. Anubias are slow-growing and hardy plants, which makes them well-suited for a variety of hobbyists. But how tall can Anubias actually grow?
Types of Anubias
Anubias plants come in all shapes and sizes, from small, creeping plants to large, upright specimens. The most common types of Anubias are Anubias barteri and Anubias nana, both of which are small, slow-growing plants. Anubias barteri is a larger variety, with leaves up to 12 inches long, while Anubias nana is a smaller variety, with leaves up to 5 inches long. Anubias congensis is another popular variety, with leaves up to 8 inches long.
How Tall Can Anubias Grow?
In an aquarium environment, Anubias can grow quite large. Anubias barteri, the largest variety, can reach a height of up to 24 inches, while Anubias nana can reach a height of up to 12 inches. Anubias congensis can reach a height of up to 18 inches. In an outdoor environment, Anubias can reach even larger heights, up to 2 feet in some cases.
Growth Rate
Anubias are slow-growing plants, so it may take some time for them to reach their full height. Anubias barteri, for example, may take up to a year to reach its full height of 24 inches. Anubias nana may take up to 6 months to reach its full height of 12 inches, and Anubias congensis may take up to 9 months to reach its full height of 18 inches.
Factors That Affect Growth
The growth rate of Anubias can be affected by a variety of factors, including light, temperature, water chemistry, and substrate. Anubias plants prefer bright, indirect light, a temperature range of 68-82°F, a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.5), and a nutrient-rich substrate. If these conditions are met, Anubias can grow to its full height over time.
Pruning
If you want to keep Anubias from growing too large, you can prune it by cutting off the top leaves and stems. This will help keep the plant from getting too tall and will encourage new growth. It's important to use sharp scissors or pruning shears when pruning Anubias, as pulling or ripping the leaves can damage the plant.
Conclusion
Anubias is a popular choice for aquariums and terrariums due to its slow-growing, hardy nature. Anubias can reach heights of up to 24 inches in an aquarium environment, although this may take some time to achieve. Factors such as light, temperature, water chemistry, and substrate can all affect the growth rate of Anubias. If you want to keep Anubias from getting too tall, you can prune it by cutting off the top leaves and stems.