Anubias of the Philippines (Schismatoglottis prietoi): natural aquatic plant, compact and ultra-easy
An "Anubias-style" plant but faster to establish, Schismatoglottis prietoi remains compact (~15 cm), grows submerged or emerged, loves low-tech tanks and especially tolerates and appreciates low to moderate light. This makes it valuable in the aquarist's toolbox. Ideal for nano aquariums, community aquariums, or paludariums.
Why choose the "Anubias of the Philippines" for your aquarium?
- Very robust and simple: perfect without CO2 or technical substrate, its growth is slow and stable.
- Its silhouette is halfway between Anubias and Cryptocoryne.
- Anti-algae "by the plant": consumes nutrients (nitrates...), contributes to the overall balance.
- Compatible inhabitants: coexists with fish, shrimp, and snails; its leaves are too tough to be attacked.
- Natural decor: dark green foliage, "Anubias"-like appearance but without its extreme slowness! Its silhouette also evokes certain Cryptocorynes.
- Versatile: tropical aquarium, low-tech, nano, and paludarium.
Who is the Anubias of the Philippines intended for?
- Beginners: you want an easy plant that succeeds without complex equipment. Plant it and forget it!
- Low-tech enthusiasts: you prioritize biological stability over chemistry. This plant thrives by associating with your aquarium's microbiota through the slow formation of a stable rhizosphere.
- Nano aquascapers: need a compact plant for the front or middle of the scene. Its dark color contrasts with a lighter background. For example, it can emerge from more carpeting and lighter plants.
- Shrimp tanks: a plant without high light requirements (they are not that many). This allows planting aquariums with very dim lighting. Also perfect for killifish tanks, which appreciate shade.
Introduction and usage tips for Schismatoglottis prietoi
- Planting: give it simple sand and never bury the crown (stem/root zone). It can also be attached to a root or a stone (just like an Anubias).
- Light: low to moderate. The light keeps it more compact, but its needs remain moderate. This is one of its big advantages, as mid-shade plants are not so common in aquaristics.
- Temperature: at least 22 °C recommended (20 °C would be too low over time). It is not a pond plant.
- Current: slight current possible (originally a stream plant).
- Maintenance: remove the oldest leaves; propagate by stolons (separate and replant), similar to Cryptocorynes.
- Fauna: it resists well to very herbivorous fish or snails.
FAQ
Is it a "true" Anubias?
No: it is Schismatoglottis prietoi. It resembles Anubias but often establishes faster and easily sends out runners. It thus has the advantages without the disadvantages.
Should I inject CO2 or fertilize?
No. In low-tech setups, it relies on natural inputs (fish respiration, organic waste...). A technical substrate is not necessary. It can also be attached to a root or rock, like Anubias.
Can I put it in the shade?
Yes: it tolerates light shade very well (under floating plants, large clusters). Avoid total darkness, obviously, but its tolerance to partial shade is its strength.
Can it live outdoors in a pond?
No: a true tropical, it does not like cold. Keep it indoors (aquarium or paludarium).
How to propagate it?
It sends out stolons: take the young offshoots and replant them nearby to thicken the cluster, as is done with Cryptocorynes.
Additional information
| Feature |
Information |
| Scientific name |
Schismatoglottis prietoi |
| Plant type |
Tropical aquatic rosette plant tolerating partial shade |
| Light |
Low to moderate |
| Temperature |
22 to 28°C. True tropical plant. 20°C is not sufficient over time. |
| Water |
Not at all bothered by moderately hard water, it is very tolerant of water type. Likes a slight current. |
| Waist |
Generally 10 to 15 cm |
| Growth |
Rather slow but steady |
| Substrate |
Simple sand for example, not very dependent on the soil for nutrition, can be attached to a rocky support. Never bury the crown. |
| Propagation |
It produces stolons that can be harvested and replanted. |
| Compatibility |
Community tanks, killifish tanks, nano tanks, low-tech and natural aquariums, paludariums. |
| Packaging |
An adult non in vitro plant (indicative weight: 15 g). |
| Warranty |
Our plants are guaranteed free of rock wool and any artificial substrate, ready to produce roots adapted to their new environment. They grow in non-sterile conditions (outside 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. |
