Anubias Aquarium Plant Types – A Beginner’S Visual Guide To
Have you ever bought a beautiful aquarium plant, only to watch it wither and melt away within weeks? It’s a frustrating experience that makes many hobbyists feel like they just don’t have a “green thumb.”
I promise you, it’s not you—it’s often the plant. But what if I told you there’s a whole family of lush, green, nearly indestructible plants that thrive on a little neglect? Welcome to the wonderful world of Anubias.
In this complete guide, we’ll dive into the most popular anubias aquarium plant types, discover the one golden rule for planting them, and learn the simple secrets to keeping them vibrant and healthy for years. Get ready to transform your tank with confidence!
Why Every Aquarist Should Fall in Love with Anubias
Before we explore the different varieties, let’s talk about the incredible benefits of anubias aquarium plant types. These aren’t just pretty faces; they are some of the most reliable and rewarding plants you can add to your aquascape, especially if you’re just starting out.
Think of Anubias as the trusty veterans of the planted tank world. Here’s why they’ve earned their reputation:
- Incredibly Hardy: Anubias can tolerate a massive range of water parameters. Whether your water is hard or soft, your pH is slightly acidic or alkaline, these plants will likely adapt and flourish.
- Low-Light Champions: You don’t need a high-tech, blindingly bright light to grow Anubias. They thrive in low to moderate lighting, making them perfect for simple setups and beginner tanks.
- Slow and Steady Growth: Their slow growth rate means less pruning and maintenance for you. It also means they are less likely to be nibbled on by plant-eating fish who often prefer softer, faster-growing leaves.
- Versatile Placement: Because they are epiphytes—plants that grow attached to other surfaces rather than in the substrate—you can attach them to driftwood, rocks, and decorations. This opens up a world of aquascaping possibilities!
The Most Popular Anubias Aquarium Plant Types: A Visual Tour
Ready to meet the family? This anubias aquarium plant types guide will help you identify the perfect variety for your tank’s size and style. Each one has its own unique charm, but they all share that signature Anubias toughness.
Anubias barteri var. nana (‘Anubias Nana’)
If you only know one Anubias, it’s probably this one. Anubias Nana is the quintessential, go-to variety for a reason. Its compact size, deep green leaves, and bushy growth habit make it a star in any aquarium.
It typically grows to about 3-5 inches tall, making it a fantastic foreground or midground plant. Attach it to a small piece of driftwood or a rock to create a beautiful, natural-looking centerpiece.
Anubias nana ‘Petite’
Take everything you love about Anubias Nana and shrink it! ‘Petite’ is a true dwarf variety with tiny, thumbnail-sized leaves. It’s an absolute favorite among nano-tank enthusiasts and aquascapers looking for fine detail.
Use it to create a sense of scale in your layout, tucking it into the crevices of rocks or creating a delicate green accent on a thin branch of driftwood. It’s a small plant with a huge impact.
Anubias barteri (Standard)
This is the larger cousin of Anubias Nana. Anubias barteri has broader, longer leaves and can reach heights of 10 inches or more. Its robust size makes it an excellent choice for filling out the midground or background of larger aquariums.
Its wide, sturdy leaves provide excellent cover for shy fish and a great resting spot for creatures like bettas and kuhli loaches.
Anubias coffeefolia
Looking for something with a unique texture? Anubias coffeefolia is your answer. Its new leaves emerge with a reddish-brown, coppery hue, and the mature leaves have a distinct, deeply ridged texture between the veins that resembles a coffee plant leaf.
This variety adds a wonderful layer of visual interest and texture that sets it apart from the smoother-leaved types. It’s a real conversation starter!
Anubias frazeri
Often sold under the name ‘Anubias ‘Congensis’ or ‘Lanceolata’, this variety stands out with its elegant, pointed, spear-shaped leaves. It grows taller and more upright than many other types, making it a stunning background plant.
Use Anubias frazeri to create a sense of height and a lush, jungle-like backdrop in your tank. Its pointed leaves create a beautiful contrast against rounder-leaved plants.
The Golden Rule: How to Plant Anubias the Right Way
Okay, friend, lean in close because this is the most important piece of advice in this entire article. If you want to know how to anubias aquarium plant types thrive, you must understand this one simple rule: never, ever bury the rhizome!
The thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow is called the rhizome. If you bury it under your gravel or sand, it will rot, and the entire plant will die. Don’t worry—this is the most common mistake beginners make, and it’s easy to avoid.
Anubias Aquarium Plant Types Best Practices for Planting:
- Choose Your Anchor: Find a piece of driftwood, lava rock, or any porous aquarium decoration. The tiny roots of the Anubias will eventually grip onto this surface.
- Secure the Plant: Gently place the rhizome against the surface of your anchor. Use a piece of cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe super glue (like Cyanoacrylate gel) to hold it in place.
- Be Gentle with Glue: If using super glue, a few small dabs on the underside of the rhizome are all you need. Press it firmly to the rock or wood for about 30 seconds. The glue is safe for fish once cured.
- Position in Your Tank: Place your newly mounted Anubias anywhere you like in the aquarium. The roots can be left dangling in the water column or can grow down towards the substrate, but the rhizome must always remain exposed.
Anubias Care Guide: Thriving with Minimal Effort
Now for the easy part! This anubias aquarium plant types care guide is refreshingly simple. Once planted correctly, these plants practically take care of themselves.
Lighting Needs
Anubias are not demanding when it comes to light. They do best in low to moderate lighting conditions. In fact, placing them under very high light can cause them to become covered in slow-growing algae, which is their number one enemy.
Water Parameters
These plants are incredibly adaptable. They will be happy in a wide range of conditions:
- Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Hardness: Soft to very hard water
Basically, if your fish are comfortable, your Anubias will be too!
Fertilization and CO2
Anubias are slow feeders that primarily absorb nutrients from the water column through their leaves and roots. They don’t require CO2 injection, but they will appreciate a good all-in-one liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week. This will keep their leaves a rich, deep green.
Pruning and Propagation
Propagating Anubias is a fantastic way to get more plants for free! Once your plant’s rhizome is long enough (at least 3-4 inches), you can simply take it out of the tank and use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a razor blade to cut it.
Ensure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. That’s it! You now have two plants that you can attach to new surfaces.
Solving Common Problems with Anubias Aquarium Plant Types
While incredibly tough, no plant is completely invincible. Here are a few common problems with anubias aquarium plant types and how to fix them.
The Dreaded “Anubias Rot”
If you notice the rhizome becoming soft and mushy, it’s likely rhizome rot. This is almost always caused by the rhizome being buried or a severe lack of water flow around the plant. If you catch it early, you can sometimes save the plant by cutting away the rotting section with a clean blade.
Algae on the Leaves
Because Anubias grow so slowly, their leaves are prime real estate for algae, especially stubborn Black Beard Algae or Green Spot Algae. The best defense is a good offense: don’t use overly intense lighting, ensure good water circulation, and maintain a balanced tank with regular water changes. An algae-eating crew of snails (like Nerites) or shrimp can also be a huge help.
Yellowing Leaves
If you see older leaves turning yellow, it might be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, often a lack of nitrogen or magnesium. This is a good indicator that it’s time to start using a comprehensive liquid fertilizer if you haven’t already.
Sourcing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias
As responsible hobbyists, it’s important to think about where our plants come from. When you’re looking for sustainable anubias aquarium plant types, you have a couple of fantastic options.
The best choice is to look for plants that are tissue-cultured. These are grown in a sterile lab environment, which means they are 100% free of pests, algae, and pesticides. This is the most eco-friendly anubias aquarium plant types option, as it puts no pressure on wild populations.
Another great method is buying or trading cuttings from fellow local hobbyists. This is a wonderful way to build community and ensure your plants are already adapted to local water conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Plant Types
Do Anubias need CO2 to grow?
Absolutely not! Anubias are fantastic low-tech plants and do not require any CO2 injection. While adding CO2 can slightly speed up their growth and improve their overall health, it is completely optional.
Can I just drop an Anubias in my tank and let it float?
You can, but it’s not ideal. The plant will likely get tossed around by the current and may end up in a position where it doesn’t get enough light. It’s always better to anchor it to a surface where it can establish itself.
Why are my Anubias leaves getting tiny pinholes in them?
Tiny pinholes, especially in older leaves, are a classic sign of a potassium deficiency. This is easily corrected by using a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains potassium (K), which is a key mobile nutrient for plants.
How fast do Anubias actually grow?
Very, very slowly. You might only see one new leaf every month or two. This is perfectly normal! Their slow growth is part of their charm and what makes them so low-maintenance. Patience is key with these beautiful plants.
Your Journey with Anubias Starts Now
From the tiny Anubias nana ‘Petite’ to the stately Anubias frazeri, there is a perfect variety for every aquarium. By remembering the golden rule—don’t bury the rhizome—and providing just a little bit of basic care, you can enjoy these gorgeous, hardy plants for years to come.
They are forgiving, beautiful, and a true testament to nature’s resilience. So go ahead, pick out your favorite, and add a touch of “bulletproof green” to your underwater world. Happy scaping!
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