Philippine Anubias (Schismatoglottis prietoi): a natural, compact and ultra-easy aquatic plant
An “Anubias-like” plant that establishes itself more quickly, Schismatoglottis prietoi remains compact (~15 cm), grows submerged or emersed, thrives in low-tech tanks and, above all, tolerates and appreciates low to moderate light. This makes it a valuable addition to the aquarist’s toolkit. Ideal for nano aquariums, community aquariums or paludariums.
Why choose the “Philippine Anubias” for your aquarium?
- Very robust and simple: perfect without CO2 or specialized substrate, its growth is slow and steady.
- Its shape is midway between Anubias and Cryptocoryne.
- “Plant-based” algae control: consumes nutrients (nitrates...), helping maintain the balance of the whole aquarium.
- Compatible with tank inhabitants: coexists with fish, shrimp and snails; its leaves are too tough to be attacked.
- Natural decor: dark green foliage, an “Anubias” appearance but without its extreme slowness! Its shape also calls to mind certain Cryptocorynes.
- Versatile: tropical aquarium, low-tech, nano and paludarium.
Who is the Philippine Anubias for?
- Beginners: you want an easy plant that thrives without complex equipment. Plant it and forget it!
- Low-tech enthusiasts: you prioritize biological stability over chemistry. This plant grows on its own, associating with your aquarium's microbiome through the slow development of a stable rhizosphere.
- Nano aquascapers: need a compact plant for the foreground or midground. Its dark color stands out against a brighter background. For example, it can emerge from shorter, lighter carpeting plants.
- Shrimp tanks: a plant with no high light requirements (there are not so many of them). This makes it possible to plant aquariums with very subdued lighting. It is also perfect for killifish tanks, which appreciate dim conditions.
Tips for introducing and using Schismatoglottis prietoi
- Planting: give it plain sand and never bury the crown (the stem/root area). It can also be attached to a root or stone (exactly like an Anubias).
- Light: low to moderate. Light keeps it more compact, but its needs remain moderate. This is one of its major advantages, as partial-shade plants are not so common in aquariums.
- Temperature: at least 22 °C recommended (20 °C would be too marginal over time). This is not a pond plant.
- Current: a gentle current is possible (originally a stream plant).
- Maintenance: remove the oldest leaves; propagate by stolons (separate and replant them), as with Cryptocorynes.
- Fauna: it withstands highly herbivorous fish or snails well.
FAQ
Is it a “true” Anubias?
No: this is Schismatoglottis prietoi. It resembles Anubias but often establishes more quickly and readily produces runners. It therefore offers the advantages without the drawbacks.
Do I need to inject CO2 or add fertilizer?
No. In a low-tech setup, it is satisfied with natural nutrient sources (fish respiration, organic waste, etc.). Technical soil is not necessary. It can also be attached to a root or rock, like Anubias.
Can I place it in the shade?
Yes: it tolerates light shade very well (under floating plants or large plant clusters). Avoid total darkness, of course, but its tolerance of partial shade is one of its strengths.
Can it live outdoors in a pond?
No: it is a true tropical plant and does not like the cold. Keep it indoors (in an aquarium or paludarium).
How do you propagate it?
It produces stolons: remove the young offshoots and replant them nearby to make the clump denser, as with Cryptocorynes.
Additional information
| Characteristic |
Information |
| Scientific name |
Schismatoglottis prietoi |
| Plant type |
Tropical aquatic rosette plant that tolerates partial shade |
| Light |
Low to moderate |
| Temperature |
22 to 28°C. A true tropical plant. 20°C is not sufficient over the long term. |
| Water |
Not bothered at all by moderately hard water; it is very tolerant of water conditions. It likes a gentle current. |
| Size |
Generally 10 to 15 cm |
| Growth |
Rather slow but steady |
| Substrate |
Plain sand, for example; it relies little on the substrate for nutrition and can be attached to a rocky support. Never bury the crown. |
| Propagation |
It produces stolons that can be removed and replanted. |
| Compatibility |
Community tanks, killifish tanks, nano tanks, low-tech setups, natural aquariums, and paludariums. |
| Packaging |
A mature non-in-vitro plant (approximate weight: 15 g). |
| Guarantee |
Our plants are guaranteed to be free of rock wool and any artificial substrate, ready to produce roots adapted to their new environment. They are grown in non-sterile conditions (not in vitro) and are already adapted to a living aquarium. |
| Recommendation |
Although they are not classified as invasive plants (tropical origin), please do not release them into the wild. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be preserved. |
