Repotting guide

When & how to repot Anubias congensis (Anubias congensis)

Also called Congo Anubias, lance-leaf Anubias.

More about anubias congensis

About Anubias congensis

Anubias congensis · also called Congo Anubias, lance-leaf Anubias · tropical

Anubias congensis is a robust West and Central African aquatic aroid with elongated, slightly wavy lance-shaped leaves on a thick creeping rhizome. Larger than nana forms, it makes a striking mid-ground or background specimen attached to wood. Like all Anubias it is slow, hardy, low-light tolerant and feeds chiefly from the water column.

Mature size: Leaves 10-18 cm long; established plants reach 25-40 cm tall with an indefinite rhizome spread.

Watch for — Algae on long leaves: The broad, slow leaves collect green-spot and beard algae under strong light. Moderate lighting and increase flow.

How to tell anubias congensis needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For anubias congensis, watch for these signs:

Roots spiralling thickly out of the drainage holes or pushing the whole plant up out of the pot.
The pot is so packed that water runs straight through in seconds and barely wets the soil.
It has split a plastic pot, or the rootball is a solid mass with almost no soil left when you slide it out.
Growth and (for anubias congensis) flowering have clearly stalled despite good light and feeding — but remember this plant likes being snug, so a little crowding alone is not a reason to repot.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot anubias congensis

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded. Anubias congensis is one of the plants that genuinely prefers a snug pot — it grows and flowers better with its roots a little restricted, so resist the urge to repot it on schedule. Vigorous creeping rhizomatous aquatic herb sending up tall, narrow lance-shaped leaves. Taller and faster than nana forms but still slow overall, suiting mid-ground and background placement..

What size pot to step anubias congensis up to

Go up only one pot size — roughly 2–3 cm (about an inch) wider in diameter, no more. Anubias congensis positively prefers a snug pot: it flowers and grows better when the roots are a little restricted. The single biggest repotting mistake here is over-potting — dropping anubias congensis into a pot two or three sizes up. All that surplus soil holds water the small root system cannot use, stays cold and wet, and rots the roots within weeks. When in doubt, choose the smaller pot.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot anubias congensis

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for anubias congensis. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting anubias congensis

Confirm it actually needs it. Slide anubias congensis out and check the roots. Only continue if it is genuinely packed — this plant prefers a snug pot, so if there is still soil and room, put it straight back.
Pick a pot only one size up. Choose a pot just 2–3 cm wider with good drainage. Resist anything bigger; over-potting is the main killer here.
Ease it out gently. Water lightly the day before, then tip anubias congensis out, supporting the base. Tease the outer roots free only enough to stop them circling.
Repot at the same depth. Add a layer of fresh rhizome attached to hardscape, roots into substrate optional, set the plant so the soil line sits exactly where it did before, and backfill around the sides, firming lightly.
Settle it in. Water once to settle the soil, then let it sit. Hold off on more water until the top of the soil dries — fresh soil around a small root system stays wet for a while.

Aftercare

Because the new soil holds more water than the old crammed rootball did, ease right back on watering — let the top of the soil dry before you water anubias congensis again, or you will rot the roots in the very pot you just moved it to. Keep it out of harsh direct sun for a fortnight. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for anubias congensis

Anubias congensis wants rhizome attached to hardscape, roots into substrate optional. Fix the rhizome to driftwood or rock with the rhizome exposed; roots can grip gravel or sand. Never bury the rhizome, which rots when smothered. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting anubias congensis — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot anubias congensis?

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded for anubias congensis. Only repot anubias congensis every 2–4 years, and only when it is genuinely root-bound — it flowers and grows best slightly crowded. Step up just one pot size in spring using rhizome attached to hardscape, roots into substrate optional. The key mistake is over-potting: a too-big pot stays wet and rots the roots.

What size pot does anubias congensis need?

When is the best time of year to repot anubias congensis?

Does anubias congensis like to be root-bound?

Yes — anubias congensis genuinely flowers and grows best when slightly pot-bound, so do not rush to repot it. The mistake to avoid is over-potting into a much larger pot: the excess soil stays wet, the roots cannot use it, and the plant rots. Only repot every few years and only one snug size up.

Should you fertilise anubias congensis after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting anubias congensis. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.