Anubias Nana Growing Out Of Water – Creating A Stunning Riparium

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever peeked into your aquarium and noticed the sturdy, green leaves of your Anubias Nana poking just above the water’s surface? It’s a common sight for many of us in the hobby, and it often sparks a question: is this okay? My friend, it’s more than okay—it’s an opportunity!

You’ve stumbled upon one of the most beautiful and rewarding ways to scape your aquarium. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand why this happens but also know exactly how to encourage it, turning your standard tank into a breathtaking, multi-level aquatic masterpiece.

We’re going to dive deep into the world of anubias nana growing out of water. We’ll explore the incredible benefits, a complete step-by-step setup guide, essential care tips for its “above water” life, and how to troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way. Let’s get started!

Why Anubias Nana Thrives Both In and Out of Water

Before we get our hands wet, it’s helpful to understand the “why.” Why can this amazing plant live a double life? The secret lies in its natural habitat. Anubias species, including our beloved Anubias barteri var. nana, are native to the rivers and streams of West Africa.

In the wild, they don’t just grow fully submerged. They are often found attached to rocks and logs along the riverbanks. During the rainy season, they might be completely underwater, but in the dry season, they live emersed—with their roots in the water and their leaves in the open air.

This natural adaptability is what makes Anubias so incredibly resilient in our aquariums. It’s essentially a bog plant, perfectly equipped to pull nutrients from the water through its roots while breathing carbon dioxide directly from the air through its leaves. This dual-citizen status is what we can leverage to create something truly special in our tanks.

The Stunning Benefits of Anubias Nana Growing Out of Water

Okay, so it can grow out of water, but why should you encourage it? The benefits go far beyond just a cool look. Embracing this style of planting can genuinely improve your aquarium’s health and your enjoyment of the hobby.

Here are some of the top benefits of anubias nana growing out of water:

  • A Unique, 3D Aesthetic: This is the most obvious perk! Growing plants emersed breaks the flat plane of the water’s surface, adding depth and a jungle-like, paludarium feel to your setup. It draws the eye upward and creates a more natural, dynamic environment.
  • Reduced Algae Issues: Emersed leaves have unlimited access to CO2 from the air, which is a plant’s primary building block. This often leads to more robust, healthier growth. Plus, the leaves are out of the water, making them far less susceptible to common aquatic algae like Black Beard Algae or Green Spot Algae. It’s a win-win!
  • The Chance for Flowers: Have you ever seen an Anubias flower? It’s a beautiful, peace lily-like bloom called a spathe. While it can happen underwater, it’s far more common when the plant is grown emersed. It’s a true sign of a happy, thriving plant.
  • Natural Filtration Boost: Like all plants, Anubias pulls waste products like nitrates from your water column. By encouraging more vigorous growth in the emersed state, you’re essentially adding another layer to your tank’s natural filtration system.

How to Get Anubias Nana Growing Out of Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create your own emersed Anubias display? It’s easier than you think! This complete anubias nana growing out of water guide will walk you through every step. Don’t worry—this is a perfect project for beginners!

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Plant

Success starts with a strong plant. Look for an Anubias Nana with deep green, firm leaves and no signs of yellowing or melting. Most importantly, check the rhizome—the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. It should be firm and healthy, not soft or mushy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hardscape

Your Anubias needs something to hold onto as it grows out of the water. The best options are pieces of driftwood, dragon stone, or lava rock that can be positioned to break the water’s surface.

If your hardscape is new, make sure to prepare it properly. Boil driftwood to remove tannins and sterilize it. Give rocks a good scrub with a brush and hot water (no soap!) to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3: Attach Your Anubias (The Right Way)

This is the most crucial step. Remember, the rhizome is the lifeblood of the plant. Never bury the rhizome in substrate! Doing so will cause it to rot and kill the plant.

You have two great options for attachment:

  1. Super Glue Gel: This is my personal favorite. Use a gel-type cyanoacrylate super glue (like Gorilla Glue Gel). Dab a small amount on the rock or wood, press a few of the Anubias roots onto the glue, and hold for 30 seconds. The glue is completely aquarium-safe once cured.
  2. Fishing Line or Cotton Thread: You can also gently tie the rhizome to the hardscape. Use fishing line for a permanent, invisible hold, or cotton thread which will eventually dissolve after the plant’s roots have taken hold on their own. Be careful not to tie it too tightly.

Step 4: Position in Your Aquarium

Now for the fun part! Carefully place your hardscape with the attached Anubias into your tank. The goal is to position it so the rhizome and roots are underwater or at least constantly wet, while some or all of the leaves are above the water.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement. You can wedge driftwood between the glass panes or create a rock pile that reaches the surface. This is your chance to get creative!

Mastering Emersed Care: Anubias Nana Growing Out of Water Best Practices

Once your Anubias is in place, its care requirements change slightly. Following this anubias nana growing out of water care guide will ensure your plant thrives in its new environment.

Lighting

Emersed leaves can handle more direct and intense light than their submerged counterparts without becoming an algae magnet. Standard aquarium LED lighting is perfectly fine. Just be aware that if the light is too intense, you might see some leaf burn, so keep an eye on it for the first couple of weeks.

Humidity is Key

This is the most important factor for success. Anubias leaves are adapted to a humid, tropical environment. If the air in your room is too dry, the emersed leaves will dry out, turn brown, and die. You need to maintain high humidity around the plant.

Here are a few easy ways to do this:

  • Use a Lid: A glass or plastic aquarium lid is the easiest way to trap humidity. Even a partial lid makes a huge difference.
  • Misting: Gently mist the emersed leaves once or twice a day with a spray bottle filled with dechlorinated water. This simulates their natural, misty riverbank habitat.
  • Lower the Water Level Slightly: A larger gap between the water surface and the lid also helps trap more humid air.

Nutrients and Fertilization

Your Anubias will continue to absorb most of its nutrients from the water column through its roots and rhizome. A good quality, comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed into the water (like you would for your other plants) is all it needs.

There is no need to spray fertilizer directly on the emersed leaves; this can lead to chemical burn and does more harm than good.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Anubias Nana Growing Out of Water

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t panic! Here are some solutions to the most common problems with anubias nana growing out of water.

Problem: The emersed leaves are turning yellow or brown and crispy.

Cause: This is almost always a sign of low humidity. The leaves are drying out.

Solution: Increase your misting frequency to 2-3 times a day. If you don’t have a lid on your tank, add one, even if it’s just a piece of plastic wrap. Ensure the rhizome is staying consistently wet.

Problem: Growth is very slow or has stopped completely.

Cause: Anubias is a slow-growing plant to begin with, but a complete stall could be due to a nutrient deficiency or the plant is still in its “transition phase” from submersed to emersed growth.

Solution: Be patient! It can take a few weeks for the plant to adapt. Ensure you are dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer in the water. Check your lighting—while it doesn’t need to be super high-tech, it does need consistent light for 6-8 hours a day.

Problem: The new emersed leaves are small.

Cause: This is often normal during the initial transition period. The plant is focusing its energy on adapting. It can also be a sign of low nutrient levels.

Solution: Give it time. As long as the leaves are healthy and green, the plant is fine. Ensure your fertilization routine is consistent. The leaves will gradually increase in size as the plant establishes itself.

Creating a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Emersed Display

One of the quiet joys of the aquarium hobby is creating a small slice of nature in our homes. Pursuing a sustainable anubias nana growing out of water setup is a wonderful way to honor that connection.

Consider these eco-friendly anubias nana growing out of water tips:

  • Propagate and Share: Anubias is incredibly easy to propagate. Once your plant is large and healthy, you can simply snip the rhizome (making sure each piece has a few leaves). Instead of buying new plants, you can grow your own and share cuttings with fellow hobbyists!
  • Use Natural Hardscape: Whenever possible, source your driftwood and rocks from local, sustainable suppliers or even from your own backyard (after proper sterilization, of course).
  • Low-Tech, Low-Energy: Anubias is a low-demand plant. You don’t need a high-powered light or a CO2 injection system for this type of setup, which helps reduce your aquarium’s overall energy consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Growing Out of Water

Can Anubias Nana live completely out of water?

No, not entirely. While its leaves thrive in the air, its rhizome and roots must remain in the water or in a constantly moist substrate (like in a paludarium) to absorb water and nutrients. It cannot survive as a typical houseplant in dry soil.

Will my fish or shrimp try to eat the emersed leaves?

It’s highly unlikely. Anubias leaves are very tough and waxy, which makes them unappealing to most aquarium inhabitants, including notorious plant-eaters. Your fish and shrimp will enjoy the cover the roots provide in the water.

How long does it take for an underwater Anubias to adapt to emersed growth?

Patience is your friend here. It can take anywhere from two to six weeks for the plant to fully acclimate. During this time, you might see some of the older, submerged-grown leaves melt away. This is normal! As long as you see new, healthy leaves sprouting, you’re on the right track.

Do I need to worry about pests on the emersed leaves?

It’s rare in a typical aquarium room environment, but not impossible. Pests like spider mites or aphids could theoretically find their way to the leaves. Misting regularly helps deter them. If you do see any, you can gently wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Go Forth and Grow!

You now have all the knowledge you need to transform your aquarium with the simple, elegant beauty of emersed Anubias. It’s a project that adds an entirely new dimension to your tank, creating a lush, vibrant connection between the aquatic world and the air above.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Every tank is a unique canvas, and you are the artist. Embrace the process, watch closely as your plant adapts, and get ready to enjoy a truly stunning piece of living art. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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