Schismatoglottis Prietoi

The Schismatoglottis Prietoi (Schismatoglottis prietoi) is a rare and highly sought-after aquatic plant native to the Philippines. It is uniquely one of the few true aquatic species in the Schismatoglottis genus, sharing a very similar growth habit and ease of care to popular Anubias and Bucephalandra species.

Name

• Scientific Name: Schismatoglottis prietoi

• Common Names: Schismatoglottis Prietoi, Prieto's Schismatoglottis

Characteristics

• Appearance: Features small, glossy, oval to lance-shaped bright green leaves with wavy edges that grow along a crawling rhizome.

• Size: Compact growth, reaching 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) in height, making it ideal for foreground to midground placement or attached to hardscape.

• Versatile Mounting: Like Anubias, it can be attached directly to driftwood and rocks using glue or string, or planted gently into the substrate (as long as the crawling rhizome remains above the soil to prevent rot).

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast compared to slow-growing Anubias or Bucephalandra, quickly forming soft green bushes.

Temperature

• Ideal Range: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)

• Note: Adapts well to warm tropical freshwater aquariums.

Lighting

• Requirement: Low to Moderate

• Note: Very forgiving under low light conditions. Excessive lighting can encourage unwanted algae growth on its slow-growing leaf surfaces.

CO2: Not Required!

Propagation

• Method: Rhizome Division

• How it works: Using sharp scissors, cut the main crawling rhizome into sections, ensuring each piece has at least 3–4 healthy leaves and some roots. Attach or plant the new divisions into desired locations in the tank.