1. Introduction
【Child】: You know, I’ve recently been reading about the hanging gardens of Babylon and they got me curious about aquatic plants we could grow in an aquarium. Any suggestions, Professor?
【Professor】: Well, Child, I’m glad you’re interested in expanding your plant horizons. Aquatic plants can create a serene, enchanting atmosphere in any aquarium, similar to the way I imagine the hanging gardens would look like. One aquatic plant I highly recommend for your aquarium is the Anubias afzelii.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Anubias afzelii, eh? That sounds like an exotic plant out of The Arabian Nights! Tell me, what makes it so magical?
【Professor】: Ah, you have quite an imagination, Child! Let me describe the beauty of the Anubias afzelii here. The plant has slow-growing, dark green leaves that are broad and sturdy. The leaves have a beautiful, leathery texture, which can give your aquarium a sense of elegance and vibrancy.
【Child】: Ooh, like a fine piece of art, I suppose. How would you place this plant in the aquarium, keeping in mind its size and growth habits?
【Professor】: Excellent question, Child. Anubias afzelii works well in various aquarium sizes and can be attached to rocks or driftwood or planted in the substrate. As for maximum plant figures and planting positions, the plant generally stays medium-sized and can grow up to be around 7-14 inches tall. You can use it as a mid-ground or background plant in smaller aquariums and as a foreground plant in larger aquariums.
3. Cultivation
【Child】: Cultivating a work of art like this plant must require immense skill! Can a novice like me truly maintain such a masterpiece?
【Professor】: Fear not, Child! Anubias afzelii is actually quite beginner-friendly. Although it prefers medium lighting, it can tolerate a range of light conditions. You need not worry too much about CO2, as it does well with or without it.
【Child】: Well, that’s a relief! But what about other factors like pH, temperature, and fertilizers?
【Professor】: You’re quite thorough, aren’t you? Anubias afzelii is pretty hardy and can grow in a pH range of 6.0-7.5, a temperature range of 72-82°F, and a KH range of 3-8. For the substrate, choose fine gravel or nutrient-rich soil. As for fertilizers, you may want to use root tabs or liquid fertilizers for optimal growth.
【Child】: So, it’s like a low-maintenance Shakespearean garden in a tank! How does one propagate such a plant, both underwater and above?
【Professor】: Indeed! To propagate Anubias afzelii, you simply need to divide the rhizome into smaller sections, ensuring that each part has at least a few leaves. You can do this underwater or emersed (above water). Surprisingly, Anubias grows better above water, but both methods will do just fine!
4. Precautions
【Child】: I assume every gem has its downside. What precautions should I take to avoid any pitfalls in cultivating such a prized masterpiece?
【Professor】: You’re right, Child—every masterpiece has its challenges. Anubias afzelii can sometimes suffer from algae buildup on its leaves due to its slow growth. So, keep an eye on that and ensure adequate water flow. As for coexistence, take care that your fish or invertebrates don’t uproot the plant. Plant-friendly organisms are highly recommended.
5. Summary
【Child】: This knowledge enriches my spirit just as much as the finest works of literature! Do summarize the secrets of this enigmatic Anubias afzelii for me, Professor.
【Professor】: Of course, Child! Anubias afzelii is a slow-growing aquatic plant that adds beauty and elegance to aquariums of various sizes. It can be placed in different positions depending on aquarium size, and it is beginner-friendly. Anubias afzelii thrives in a range of light conditions, CO2 levels, and water parameters. Just be mindful of algae buildup and choose plant-friendly tankmates.
【Child】: Thank you, Professor! I can’t wait to furnish my aquatic haven with such a splendid piece straight out of history and fiction. And know that the knowledge you’ve imparted will guide me on this new adventure.