Anubias Nana Above Water – A Complete Guide To Stunning Emergent

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever look at the top of your aquarium and feel like something is missing? You’ve meticulously crafted a vibrant underwater world, but that space above the waterline feels like a blank canvas. It’s a common feeling for aquascapers who want to create a truly immersive, natural-looking environment.

I’m here to tell you that the solution is simpler and more beautiful than you might imagine. We’re going to unlock the secret to growing one of the hobby’s hardiest and most beloved plants—Anubias Nana—in a way that bridges the gap between water and air. Learning to grow anubias nana above water is a game-changer.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. You’ll discover the incredible benefits, a step-by-step setup process, essential care tips, and how to troubleshoot any little bumps along the way. Get ready to take your aquarium to a whole new level!

Why Grow Anubias Nana Above Water? The Surprising Benefits

You might know Anubias Nana as the go-to, nearly indestructible underwater plant. But its true potential shines when you let it breathe. Exploring the benefits of anubias nana above water reveals why so many experienced hobbyists use this technique to create breathtaking displays.

Unlock Lush, Vibrant Growth

When grown emersed (the technical term for growing with roots in water and leaves in air), Anubias Nana often grows faster and more vibrantly. With direct access to atmospheric CO2, which is far more abundant than dissolved CO2 in water, its leaves can become a deeper, richer green. Plus, you’ll have virtually zero issues with algae covering those beautiful leaves!

The Perfect Paludarium & Riparium Plant

If you’re dreaming of a paludarium (a tank with both aquatic and terrestrial features) or a riparium (a tank that mimics a riverbank), Anubias Nana is your star player. Its ability to thrive in both worlds makes it the perfect transitional plant, seamlessly connecting your aquascape to the world above. It creates a stunning, jungle-like canopy that drapes over your hardscape.

A Natural Nitrate Filter

Plants grown emersed are powerhouses when it comes to nutrient absorption. An Anubias with its leaves in the air will pull nitrates and other waste compounds directly from your water column with impressive efficiency. This helps improve your water quality, reduce the need for water changes, and create a more stable, eco-friendly anubias nana above water system.

A Haven for Your Aquatic Friends

The overhanging leaves of emersed Anubias provide excellent shade and cover. This can help reduce stress in shyer fish species like Bettas or Gouramis, who love to hang out near the surface. It gives them a sense of security and encourages more natural behaviors. Don’t be surprised if you see your shrimp climbing up the roots for a snack!

Getting Started: Your Anubias Nana Above Water Guide

Ready to give it a try? The good news is, you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. This anubias nana above water guide is all about using what you already have to create something amazing. Success comes down to a few key choices.

Selecting the Perfect Plant

Start with a healthy, robust Anubias Nana. Look for a plant with:

  • A firm, green rhizome: The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem where the leaves and roots sprout from. Avoid any plants with soft, mushy, or brown rhizomes.
  • At least 5-6 healthy leaves: Look for leaves that are free of holes, yellowing, or significant algae. A healthy plant will transition much more easily.
  • Visible, white roots: Healthy roots are a great sign that the plant is actively growing and ready for its new home.

Choosing Your Location: Hardscape is Key

The most critical element for growing Anubias Nana emersed is having a piece of hardscape—like driftwood or rock—that breaks the surface of the water. You need a spot where you can attach the plant so its rhizome and leaves are in the air, but its roots can dangle down into the water. Look for nooks, crannies, or branches just at or slightly above the waterline.

The Right Tools for the Job

You only need one or two simple things to secure your plant. Don’t overthink it!

  • Aquarium-safe Super Glue Gel: This is the aquascaper’s best friend. A few dabs of gel are all you need to securely attach the rhizome to your hardscape. Make sure it’s the gel type, as the regular liquid version can run.
  • Fishing Line or Cotton Thread: A great alternative to glue. You can simply tie the Anubias rhizome gently but firmly to the driftwood or rock. Cotton thread will dissolve over time, by which point the plant’s roots will have taken hold.

How to Plant Anubias Nana Above Water: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Alright, you’ve got your plant, you’ve picked your spot—now for the fun part! Following this simple tutorial on how to anubias nana above water will ensure a smooth and successful transition for your plant.

  1. Prepare Your Anubias: Gently remove the plant from its pot and any rock wool surrounding the roots. Give it a good rinse in some old tank water to remove any debris. This is also a good time to trim away any dead or yellowing leaves with a sharp pair of scissors.

  2. Find the Sweet Spot: Take your chosen hardscape out of the tank if possible—it makes this process much easier. Identify the exact spot where you want the Anubias to live. Remember, the goal is for the rhizome to be above the water while the roots can reach it.

  3. Secure the Rhizome: If using glue, pat the rhizome and the spot on the hardscape dry with a paper towel. Apply a few small dabs of super glue gel to the rhizome and press it firmly onto the hardscape for about 30 seconds. If using thread, simply tie it around the rhizome and the wood/rock. The golden rule of Anubias care applies here: never, ever bury the rhizome! It needs to be exposed to air to prevent rot.

  4. Keep the Roots Wet!: This is the most important step. Place the hardscape back into your aquarium, ensuring the roots are dangling in the water or, at the very least, are in constant contact with a moist surface. The roots are the plant’s lifeline to the nutrients in your aquarium.

  5. The Acclimation Period: Your Anubias will now begin to transition from its submerged (underwater) form to its emersed form. It’s normal for one or two of the older leaves to melt or turn yellow during this period. Don’t panic! As long as the rhizome is healthy, the plant is just redirecting energy to grow new leaves better adapted to life in the air.

Care and Maintenance: Best Practices for Thriving Emersed Growth

Once your Anubias is in place, a little ongoing care will guarantee its success. This anubias nana above water care guide focuses on replicating its natural habitat. Think of a lush, humid riverbank—that’s the environment we want to create.

Humidity is Your Best Friend

The biggest challenge for an emersed Anubias is drying out. The leaves are used to being wet! To combat this, you need to maintain high humidity around the plant. Here are a few anubias nana above water tips:

  • Misting: Lightly mist the leaves once or twice a day with a spray bottle. Using water from your aquarium is a great way to give it a little nutrient boost!
  • Use a Lid: A glass or plastic lid on your aquarium will trap humidity naturally, creating a perfect greenhouse effect for your emersed plants.
  • Lower the Water Line Slightly: If you don’t use a lid, lowering your water line by an inch or two can help trap a layer of humid air just above the surface.

Lighting Requirements

Good news! Anubias Nana’s light requirements are even lower when grown above water. It no longer has to get light through several inches of water. It will thrive under standard aquarium lighting. In fact, too much direct, intense light can scorch the leaves, so avoid blasting it with a high-powered light.

Nutrient Needs

Your Anubias will get most of its nutrients from its roots in the water column, just as it did before. If you have a low-tech tank with minimal fish load, you can give it an extra boost by occasionally misting the leaves with a heavily diluted, aquarium-safe liquid fertilizer (this is called foliar feeding).

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Anubias Nana Above Water

Even with a plant as tough as Anubias, you might run into a snag or two. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with anubias nana above water.

Problem: Yellowing or Crispy Leaves

The Cause: This is almost always a sign of low humidity. The air is simply too dry, and the leaves are losing water faster than the roots can supply it.

The Fix: Increase your misting frequency to 2-3 times a day. If you don’t have one, consider adding a lid to your tank to trap moisture. You can trim off the damaged leaves; the plant will replace them.

Problem: Melting or Rotting Rhizome

The Cause: The rhizome is staying too wet or is buried. Unlike the roots, the rhizome cannot tolerate being constantly submerged or covered. It needs air circulation to stay healthy.

The Fix: Check your plant’s positioning. Make sure the entire rhizome is sitting clearly above the waterline. If water is splashing on it constantly from your filter outflow, try to redirect the flow or move the plant.

Problem: Slow or Stunted Growth

The Cause: This is usually a nutrient issue. While Anubias are slow growers, a complete lack of new growth might mean it’s hungry.

The Fix: Ensure you are dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer in your water column for the roots to absorb. If your tank is heavily planted, the emersed Anubias might be getting out-competed for nutrients.

Creating a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias Display

Part of the joy of aquarium keeping is creating a small slice of nature in our homes. Pursuing a sustainable anubias nana above water setup is a rewarding way to deepen that connection. It’s all about making mindful choices that benefit both your tank and the environment.

Sourcing Your Plants Responsibly

Consider purchasing tissue-cultured Anubias. These plants are grown in a sterile lab environment, which means they are 100% free of pests, algae, and pesticides. This prevents unwanted hitchhikers in your tank and supports a more eco-friendly anubias nana above water practice by reducing the demand for wild-harvested plants.

Natural Pest Control

If you ever encounter pests like aphids on your emersed leaves (it’s rare, but possible), resist the urge to use household chemical sprays, which can be deadly to your fish and shrimp. Instead, you can simply wipe them off with a damp cloth or even submerge the affected leaves in the tank water for an hour to drown them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Above Water

Can Anubias Nana live completely out of water?

No, it cannot. Anubias is a semi-aquatic plant. While its leaves thrive in the air, its roots must have access to water or a consistently moist substrate to survive. It cannot be grown like a typical houseplant in dry soil.

Will my Anubias flower more easily when grown above water?

Yes, absolutely! It is much more common for Anubias to flower when grown emersed. The flower looks like a small, white peace lily bloom. It’s a fantastic reward for providing your plant with a great environment.

Do I need to fertilize my emersed Anubias Nana differently?

Not really. Continue to fertilize your aquarium water as you normally would for your other plants. The roots will do the heavy lifting. Misting with diluted fertilizer is an optional bonus but not a necessity for success.

What fish are safe to keep with Anubias growing out of the tank?

Almost any community fish will be fine. In fact, many fish enjoy the cover it provides. Bettas, Gouramis, and Killifish especially love lounging under the leaves at the surface. Just be aware of any notorious plant-eaters like large Goldfish or Silver Dollars, though they are less likely to bother leaves that are out of the water.

Your New Aquascaping Adventure Awaits

You now have all the knowledge you need to successfully grow anubias nana above water. It’s more than just a fun project; it’s a way to add a whole new dimension of life, texture, and natural beauty to your aquarium.

Remember the keys to success: keep the rhizome in the air, the roots in the water, and the leaves nice and humid. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different placements and hardscapes to see what looks best in your unique setup.

Your aquarium is your canvas, and you’ve just unlocked a brand new palette. Go create something beautiful!

Howard Parker
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