Schismatoglottis Prietoi - Tissue Culture - Tropica

Schismatoglottis prietoi | An Easy, Fast-Spreading Anubias Lookalike From the Philippines

Schismatoglottis prietoi is an undemanding foreground plant that looks a lot like a small Anubias, with compact, elliptical green leaves 1–3 inches (3–8 cm) long on short stems. Unlike Anubias, it grows at a medium pace and spreads readily by sending out runners, so a few plants soon fill in to form a lush, low, natural-looking patch. Native to the rivers of the Philippines, where it often grows in large, dense groups, it brings that same natural, river-bank feel to an aquascape.

Hardy and forgiving, it thrives in most aquariums, even in very poor light, which makes it an easy choice for beginners and low-tech tanks.

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Schismatoglottis prietoi
• Origin: Philippines, Asia
• Growth rate: Medium
• Height: 1–2 inches (3–5+ cm)
• Leaf length: 1–3 inches (3–8 cm), elliptical
• Light demand: Low, and tolerates very poor light
• CO2: Not required
• Best placement: Foreground to midground, planted in the substrate

Planting Tips

Unlike Anubias, Schismatoglottis prietoi grows best when planted in the bottom layer, where it willingly sends out runners and spreads. Plant in small groups with a little space between individual plants so the runners can fill in the gaps. Over time it forms a dense, low cover across the substrate, much like the dense stands it forms in its natural rivers.

Compatible With

• All community fish, shrimp, and snails
• Suitable for low-tech planted tanks, beginner aquariums, and shaded areas of the tank
• Works well alongside Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and Java Fern, where its similar leaf shape and tidy habit add a cohesive, natural look
• Good in shrimp tanks, where its dense growth gives shrimplets shelter and grazing surfaces