Their bright green spear leaves make the Anubias a popular aquarium plant. But did you know that it can also bloom? Admittedly, this is less likely to happen in an aquarium than in river water in Africa. But under ideal conditions, flowers can also be seen under water.
Does Anubia's flowers also appear underwater?
Anubias naturally blooms above water so that it can be pollinated. In the aquarium, the marsh plant also strives to sprout flower stalks right up to the surface of the water. Rarea variety shows one flowerunder water Heat, light and phosphorus promote the ability to flower.
Can Anubias form flowers underwater?
Yes, theAnubias can bloom underwater But that is not the rule. In its native Africa, Anubias grows on river banks. The rhizome and the lower part of the plant remain under water, while the rest mostly grows above the water surface. The flower stem also floats out of the water so that the flower can open in the air. In the aquarium, Anubias also prefers to open its flowers above the water surface.
What does the Anubias flower look like and how long does it last?
The different Anubia species all bloom slightly differently. But all Anubias flowers have these things in common:
- Flower of Anubiasreminiscent of single leaf
- aflower spadixis covered by a sheath-likesheath (spatha)
- the flower is white-yellowish in color
- the tip of the spadix bears flowers consisting of 3-5 stamens each (male)
- the lower piston part is scarred (female)
- the length of the flower stalk depends on the species
Once the flower has reached the surface of the water, it will remain fresh for about 3-4 days.
What promotes flower formation under water?
While anubias bloom more often above water in aquariums, inflorescences are less commonly observed underwater. Some varieties seem more prone to this than others. For example the Anubias barteri var. nana, also called dwarf spearleaf. It is certainly helpful to provide the Anubias with a water temperature between22 and 26 °C. Ahigh phosphate concentration, around 2 mg per liter, and a lot oflight also have a positive effect on flower formation.
Can the flower be pollinated under water?
No, an Anubias flower under watercannot be pollinated Pollination is only possible above the water. Since pollen and stigmas of a flower mature differently, self-pollination is not possible. A second, genetically non-identical flower is therefore required for successful reproduction via seeds. After pollination, berries form. The seeds it contains are germinable after around 50 days, and for some species even after 100 days.
Tip
Fast propagation is only possible via rhizomes
Even if you manage to harvest germinable seeds from your Anubias. The swamp plant grows so slowly that this method of propagation strains any patience. You can propagate Anubias more easily by separating side rhizomes or cutting a rhizome into several pieces.
