Anubias congensis
Anubias congensis
Also known asCongo anubias · Anubias afzelii (sometimes confused) · Heart-leaf anubias
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: epiphyte. Propagation: rhizome division.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Wood and rock mounts (Hardscape mount) | varies | none |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
| Limestone gravel (Crushed coral) | raises pH | none |
| Bare bottom (no substrate) (Bare bottom) | n/a | none |
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to tropical West and Central Africa, primarily the Congo River basin (Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo). The species (Anubias heterophylla, often sold as A. congensis) produces much larger leaves than A. barteri or A. nana: individual leaves are 15–30 cm long, elongated and lance-shaped, with a lighter green coloring than the dark-leaved barteri varieties. The plant grows from a thick rhizome and can form impressive rosette-like clusters in large tanks. Found growing on rocks and submerged wood in forest streams. Less commonly available than A. barteri or A. nana in the trade but offered by specialty aquatic plant retailers. Less commonly stocked than A. barteri or A. nana but available from online aquatic plant retailers and specialty shops that carry a wider Anubias selection.
Care notes
Same easy care as other Anubias: tolerates low light, no CO2, wide temperature range (20–30°C), and both soft and hard water. The distinguishing feature is size; this is a large Anubias with individual leaves reaching 15–30 cm, suited to tanks of 150 L where it can grow without being cramped. In smaller tanks, it outgrows the space within a few months. Attach the thick rhizome to large pieces of driftwood or rock using super glue, cable ties, or heavy thread. Do not bury the rhizome. Growth is slow (like all Anubias), but each new leaf is substantial and adds significant visual weight to the aquascape. Under moderate lighting, the elongated lance-shaped leaves develop an attractive medium green coloring. High light promotes algae on the broad leaf surfaces; keep light moderate or balance with CO2 and nutrients. The large leaves attract green spot algae in particular; nerite snails are effective at grazing it off. Propagation by rhizome division once the plant has grown enough to cut a section with 3-4 leaves. The large leaves serve practical functions beyond aesthetics: they're egg-laying surfaces for angelfish, discus, and dwarf cichlids, and resting platforms for catfish and loaches. In competition aquascaping, A. congensis is used as a background or midground structural element where its scale anchors the design.