Anubias Nana In Terrarium – The Ultimate Guide To Lush, Emersed Growth
Ever look at that gorgeous, deep-green Anubias nana nestled in your aquarium and think, “I wonder if that could grow outside the water?” It’s a common thought for aquarists who love the plant’s hardy nature and beautiful leaves.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to tell you that not only is it possible, but growing an anubias nana in terrarium setups is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy this versatile plant. It unlocks a whole new world of creative scaping possibilities.
This comprehensive guide promises to be your one-stop resource. We’ll walk you through the amazing benefits, a step-by-step setup process, the essential care secrets, and how to troubleshoot any bumps along the way.
Ready to transform your favorite aquatic plant into a terrestrial showpiece? Let’s dive in!
Why Anubias Nana is a Terrarium Superstar (And Not Just for Aquariums)
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why this plant is such a perfect candidate. In its native West African habitat, Anubias often grows emersed—meaning partially in and partially out of the water—clinging to rocks and logs along the shaded banks of streams and rivers.
This natural history is exactly why it adapts so well to high-humidity environments like terrariums. Here are some of the key benefits of anubias nana in terrarium settings that make it a must-have for enthusiasts.
- Incredible Hardiness: Anubias is famously tough. It’s forgiving of minor mistakes, making it perfect for beginners dipping their toes into the world of terrariums. Don’t worry—this plant is on your side!
- Slow, Steady Growth: Unlike some terrarium plants that can quickly become overgrown, Anubias nana grows at a very leisurely pace. This means less pruning and a landscape that stays looking just how you designed it for longer.
- Stunning Aesthetics: The thick, waxy, dark green leaves provide a beautiful contrast to finer-leafed plants, mosses, and hardscape. They add a sense of lush, tropical maturity to any design.
- Versatility in Planting: Because it feeds from the water column via its roots and rhizome, it doesn’t need to be planted in deep substrate. You can attach it to driftwood, rocks, or cork bark, opening up endless creative possibilities for vertical and multi-level designs.
Setting Up Your Anubias Nana in a Terrarium: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Getting your Anubias settled into its new terrestrial home is straightforward if you follow a few key steps. This section is your complete how to anubias nana in terrarium playbook.
Step 1: Choose a Healthy Plant
Start with a strong foundation. Look for a plant with vibrant, deep green leaves and no signs of yellowing, holes, or melting. The rhizome—the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow—should be firm and healthy, not soft or mushy.
You can buy plants that are already attached to wood, sold in pots with rock wool, or as “in-vitro” tissue cultures. All are great options, though in-vitro plants are guaranteed to be free of pests and algae.
Step 2: The Crucial Acclimation Phase
If your Anubias is coming from a fully submerged aquarium environment, don’t just pull it out and stick it in a terrarium. That’s a recipe for shock and leaf melt. Instead, you need to acclimate it gently.
A simple way to do this is to place the plant in a container with a lid, like a Tupperware or a small plastic greenhouse. Add a small amount of water to the bottom, just enough to keep the roots wet but leave the leaves exposed to the air. Keep it sealed for a week, opening it for a few minutes each day. This high-humidity environment helps it transition from aquatic to emersed life.
Step 3: Prepare the Rhizome (The Golden Rule!)
This is the most important piece of advice in this entire guide: do not bury the rhizome! I can’t stress this enough. The rhizome is the plant’s lifeline; if it’s buried under substrate, it will rot and the entire plant will die.
Gently remove any rock wool from the roots. You can trim any dead or mushy roots, but be careful not to damage the rhizome itself. The goal is to have the long, thin roots available to make contact with a moist surface while the thick rhizome remains exposed to the air.
Step 4: Mount and Position Your Anubias
Now, place your plant in its new home. You have a few great options:
- Attach to Hardscape: Use aquarium-safe super glue (a gel type works best) or cotton thread to attach the rhizome to a piece of driftwood, lava rock, or cork bark. Apply a small dab of glue to the rhizome, press it onto the hardscape for 30 seconds, and you’re set. The roots will eventually grow and anchor themselves.
- Place on Substrate: You can also simply place the Anubias on top of a moist substrate like sphagnum moss or a soil mix. Gently tuck the roots under the rhizome into the substrate, ensuring the rhizome itself is sitting on top. Small rocks can be used to weigh it down initially.
The Ultimate Anubias Nana in Terrarium Care Guide
Once your Anubias is happily situated, ongoing care is wonderfully simple. This plant thrives on a “less is more” approach. Follow these anubias nana in terrarium best practices, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
Humidity is King
The single most critical factor for success is high humidity. Anubias leaves are adapted to a wet environment and will dry out and turn crispy in dry household air. Aim for a humidity level of 70-90%.
The best way to achieve this is by using a closed or semi-closed terrarium. Regular misting with a spray bottle once or twice a day will also keep the leaves hydrated and happy. Using distilled or rainwater can help prevent mineral spots on the leaves.
Lighting Requirements
Think “shaded jungle floor.” Anubias nana prefers low to moderate, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop brown patches.
Place your terrarium in a room that gets bright ambient light but not in a direct sunbeam. A standard LED light designed for plants, running for 8-10 hours a day, is a perfect and controllable solution.
Watering and Substrate
While the leaves need humidity, the roots don’t like to be waterlogged. The goal is to keep the roots and substrate consistently moist but never soggy. If you’re using a substrate like sphagnum moss or a terrarium soil mix, water it only when the top layer begins to feel slightly dry.
A drainage layer (like LECA or gravel) at the bottom of your terrarium can be a great safety net against overwatering.
Fertilization (A Light Touch is Best)
Anubias are light feeders. You don’t need a complex fertilization routine. A light misting with a heavily diluted, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once every month or two during the growing season is more than enough. Over-fertilizing can do more harm than good.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Anubias Nana in a Terrarium
Even with a plant as tough as Anubias, you might encounter a hiccup or two. Don’t panic! Here’s how to diagnose and fix the most common problems with anubias nana in terrarium setups.
Problem: Leaves are Turning Yellow
Likely Cause: Too much light. This is the most common reason for yellowing leaves in a terrarium setting.
Solution: Move the terrarium to a shadier spot or reduce the duration or intensity of your artificial lighting. Yellowing can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, but this is less common given its low needs.
Problem: Leaf Edges are Brown and Crispy
Likely Cause: Low humidity. The air is too dry, causing the leaves to lose moisture faster than the roots can absorb it.
Solution: Increase your misting frequency or ensure your terrarium is better sealed to trap moisture. You can also place a small dish of water inside the terrarium to increase ambient humidity.
Problem: The Rhizome is Soft and Mushy
Likely Cause: Rhizome rot. This is almost always caused by the rhizome being buried in the substrate or kept in waterlogged conditions.
Solution: Act fast! Carefully remove the plant. With a clean blade, trim away any soft, brown, or mushy parts of the rhizome. Let it air dry for an hour before remounting it, making absolutely sure the remaining healthy rhizome is exposed to the air.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias Nana Terrarium Practices
Part of the joy of this hobby is connecting with nature. Embracing a sustainable anubias nana in terrarium approach ensures our hobby is as kind to the planet as it is to our homes.
Consider these eco-friendly anubias nana in terrarium tips:
- Propagate and Share: Once your Anubias grows large enough, you can easily propagate it. Simply cut the rhizome with a clean knife, ensuring each piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. This is a great way to fill out your terrarium or share with fellow hobbyists!
- Choose Tissue Culture: Opting for lab-grown, tissue-cultured plants guarantees they are free from pests, algae, and pesticides. This prevents the introduction of unwanted hitchhikers into your ecosystem.
- Use Natural Materials: Source your hardscape responsibly. Use locally found rocks (boiled for sanitation) or sustainably harvested cork bark and driftwood.
- Conserve Water: Collect rainwater for misting your terrarium. It’s free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water and is better for your plants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana in Terrariums
Can Anubias nana live completely out of water?
Yes, absolutely! As long as it’s in a very high-humidity environment like a sealed terrarium, it will thrive. The key is providing moisture through the air, not just at the roots.
Do I need a special substrate for my Anubias?
Not necessarily. Since Anubias is an epiphyte (a plant that grows on other plants or objects), it gets most of its nutrients from the water and air. It’s happier attached to wood or rock than planted in a deep substrate. If you do place it on a substrate, something that holds moisture well like sphagnum moss is ideal.
What kind of terrarium is best for Anubias nana?
A closed or semi-closed terrarium is best. An open-air dish garden will not hold enough humidity to keep the Anubias happy. Glass jars, cloches, or repurposed aquariums with lids are all fantastic choices.
How fast does Anubias nana grow in a terrarium?
Extremely slowly! You might only see one new leaf every month or two. But this is a feature, not a bug. Its slow growth makes it an incredibly low-maintenance centerpiece for your design.
Go Forth and Grow!
You now have all the knowledge you need to confidently take your Anubias nana from the aquarium to the terrarium. It’s a wonderfully rewarding project that allows you to appreciate this classic plant in a whole new light.
Remember the golden rules: high humidity and never bury the rhizome. Follow those, and you’re well on your way to creating a stunning, lush, and long-lasting green display.
Happy scaping!
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