Are Anubis Africa Aquarium Plant For Beginners – The Ultimate Guide To

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever felt that twinge of disappointment after buying a so-called “beginner” aquarium plant, only to watch it melt away into a sad, brown mush within weeks? It’s a common story, and it can make you feel like you just don’t have a green thumb, even underwater.

I’m here to tell you that it’s not you—it’s the plant. And I promise there’s a plant that truly lives up to the “easy” label, one that’s so resilient and beautiful it will restore your confidence and transform your tank. The question of are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners is one I hear all the time, and the answer is a resounding YES.

This nearly indestructible plant is the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to add lush, vibrant life to their aquarium without the headache. It’s the confidence-booster every new aquarist deserves.

In this complete guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know. We’ll cover why Anubias is the king of beginner plants, how to plant it correctly (this is the most important part!), simple care tips, and how to troubleshoot the few issues you might encounter. Let’s get you started on the path to a thriving underwater garden.

Why Anubias is the King of Beginner Aquarium Plants

When we talk about the benefits of are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners, the list is long and impressive. This isn’t just another plant; it’s a foundational piece for a stable, beautiful, and low-maintenance aquarium. Think of it as the trusty anchor of your aquascape.

Here’s why Anubias earns its crown:

  • Nearly Indestructible: Anubias species are famously tough. Their leaves are thick, waxy, and leathery, making them resistant to damage from even boisterous fish like cichlids or hungry snails. They can handle a wide range of mistakes that would spell doom for more delicate plants.
  • Low Light, No Problem: Unlike many popular aquarium plants that demand high-intensity lighting, Anubias thrives in low to moderate light. This means you don’t need expensive, specialized equipment. In fact, too much light can be a bad thing, which we’ll cover later!
  • Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Anubias grows very slowly. While this might sound like a downside, it’s actually a huge benefit for beginners. It means you won’t be constantly trimming and replanting. It finds its spot and stays there, looking great with almost zero effort.
  • Versatile Placement: Because it doesn’t need to be planted in substrate, you can attach Anubias to almost anything—driftwood, rocks, or other decorations. This gives you incredible creative freedom when designing your tank.
  • A Natural Shelter for Fish: The broad, sturdy leaves provide excellent hiding spots and resting places for shy fish and invertebrates like shrimp. Many fish love to lounge on or under an Anubias leaf, adding a wonderful, natural behavior to observe in your tank.

Choosing Your Anubias: Popular Varieties for Your Tank

“Anubias” isn’t just one plant; it’s a whole family (or genus) of them! While their care is very similar, they come in different sizes and shapes, allowing you to pick the perfect one for your vision. Here are a few of the most popular and readily available varieties.

Anubias barteri var. nana (‘Anubias Nana’)

This is the undisputed champion for beginners. Anubias nana is small, compact, and incredibly hardy. Its dark green leaves stay relatively small, making it perfect for foregrounds or attaching to small pieces of hardscape. If you only get one Anubias, make it this one.

Anubias barteri (‘Broadleaf Anubias’)

The standard version of the species, this plant has larger, broader leaves than its ‘nana’ cousin. It’s an excellent midground plant and can create a beautiful, dense focal point when attached to a prominent piece of driftwood. It’s just as easy to care for, just bigger.

Anubias coffeefolia

This variety is a real showstopper. Its new leaves emerge with a reddish-brown, coffee-like tint before turning deep green. The most unique feature is the heavily ridged texture of the leaves, which adds incredible depth and visual interest to your aquascape.

Anubias nana ‘Petite’

As the name suggests, this is a miniature version of Anubias nana. Its tiny leaves make it a favorite for nano tanks or for creating fine details in a larger aquascape. It’s perfect for tucking into small crevices in rocks or on delicate branches of driftwood.

The Golden Rule: How to Plant Anubias the Right Way

Alright, lean in, because this is the most important piece of advice in this entire guide. If you get this one thing right, you are 90% of the way to success. This section covers how to are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners, and it all comes down to one part of the plant.

The key to keeping Anubias alive is its rhizome. The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. It looks like a thick green root running along the base of the plant.

NEVER, EVER BURY THE RHIZOME.

If you bury the rhizome in your gravel or sand, it will be cut off from light and water flow, and it will rot. This is the number one reason beginner Anubias plants die. Don’t worry, avoiding this is simple!

Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Attach it to Hardscape: The best method is to attach your Anubias to a piece of driftwood or a rock. You can use a small dab of aquarium-safe super glue (cyanoacrylate) or tie it on with cotton thread or a fishing line. The plant’s roots will eventually grow and grip onto the surface themselves.
  2. Use the Glue Method: Pat the spot on the rock/wood dry, as well as the rhizome. Apply a small dot of super glue to the hardscape and press the rhizome onto it for 30 seconds. You can then place it directly into the water.
  3. Use the Thread Method: Simply wrap the thread around the rhizome and the object you’re attaching it to a few times. Tie a secure knot. The cotton thread will dissolve over a few months, by which time the plant will have attached itself.
  4. Placing on Substrate: If you really want it to look like it’s growing from the substrate, you can place it on top of the gravel or sand. You can weigh it down with a plant weight or a small stone placed over the roots (not the rhizome!) until it anchors itself.

Your Complete Anubias Care Guide: Best Practices for Success

Now that you’ve planted it correctly, the rest is easy. This is the definitive are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners care guide. Following these best practices will ensure your plant not only survives but truly thrives.

Lighting: Less is More

Anubias are low-light plants. They evolved under the dense canopy of African rainforests, so they are not adapted to intense light. Standard aquarium kit lighting is usually perfect. If you have a high-tech tank with powerful lights, place your Anubias in a shaded area, like under a larger plant or a piece of driftwood, to prevent algae growth on its leaves.

Water Parameters: Remarkably Forgiving

Anubias isn’t fussy. It will do well in a wide range of water conditions, which is another reason it’s perfect for beginners whose tanks might not be perfectly stable yet.

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-8.0
  • Hardness: Soft to hard water is fine.

As long as you have a stable, cycled aquarium within these broad ranges, your Anubias will be happy.

Fertilization: A Light Feeder’s Needs

Because it grows so slowly, Anubias doesn’t require heavy fertilization. It absorbs most of its nutrients from the water column through its roots and rhizome. A good, comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week is more than enough to keep it healthy and green.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Anubias

Even the toughest plants can run into issues. Fortunately, understanding the common problems with are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners makes them easy to solve.

Problem: The Plant is Rotting at the Base

Cause: The rhizome is buried. This is, without a doubt, the most common issue. The rhizome is suffocating and rotting away.

Solution: Immediately un-bury it! Gently lift the plant, rinse off any decaying matter, and re-attach it to a rock or piece of wood where the rhizome is exposed to the open water. If some of the rhizome is still firm, the plant can often recover.

Problem: Green or Black Spots on the Leaves

Cause: Algae. Because Anubias leaves grow slowly and last a long time, they are prime real estate for algae, especially in tanks with too much light or excess nutrients.

Solution: First, try to gently rub the algae off with your finger or a soft toothbrush. To prevent it from returning, reduce your lighting period (aim for 6-8 hours a day) or move the plant to a shadier spot. Adding algae-eaters like Amano shrimp, nerite snails, or otocinclus catfish can also make a huge difference.

Problem: Leaves are Turning Yellow

Cause: This is typically a sign of a nutrient deficiency, most commonly a lack of nitrogen or iron. It can also happen to very old leaves as the plant naturally sheds them.

Solution: If multiple leaves are yellowing, it’s time to start using a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. This will provide the macro and micronutrients the plant is missing. Trim off any heavily yellowed or dying leaves at the base to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth.

Propagating Anubias: How to Get More Plants for Free!

One of the most rewarding parts of plant ownership is making more of them. Propagating Anubias is incredibly simple.

  1. Wait until your plant’s rhizome is at least 2-3 inches long and has plenty of leaves.
  2. Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a razor blade, simply cut the rhizome into two or more pieces.
  3. Ensure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves and some roots.
  4. That’s it! You now have multiple new plants that you can attach elsewhere in your tank or share with a friend.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Aquascaping with Anubias

Choosing Anubias is also a great step towards more sustainable aquarium keeping. When you’re looking for a sustainable are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners, its unique characteristics make it a fantastic, eco-friendly choice.

Its slow growth means less trimming, which translates to less plant waste. Its longevity is also a key factor; a single Anubias can live for many years, unlike faster-growing stem plants that may need to be replaced. Furthermore, consider purchasing tissue culture Anubias. These plants are grown in a sterile lab environment, ensuring they are free from pests and algae, and it protects wild populations from being over-harvested.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias

Can Anubias grow in gravel or sand?

Yes, but with a major warning! You can place it on top of the substrate, but you must ensure the rhizome is not buried underneath it. The roots can and will grow down into the gravel or sand to anchor the plant, but the rhizome must remain exposed to the water column to avoid rot.

Do I need to fertilize my Anubias?

While Anubias can survive in many tanks without direct fertilization (living off fish waste), it will look its best with some help. Dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer once a week will result in healthier, greener leaves and more consistent, albeit still slow, growth.

How fast does Anubias grow?

Extremely slowly! In a healthy environment, you might only see one new leaf every 3-5 weeks. This is completely normal. Don’t mistake its slow pace for poor health. Patience is key with this plant.

Your Journey to a Greener Tank Starts Now

So, to answer the big question one last time: are anubis africa aquarium plant for beginners? Absolutely, 100%. It’s the plant I recommend to every single person starting their first planted tank.

By choosing Anubias, you’re not just adding a plant; you’re adding a nearly foolproof piece of living art to your aquarium. Remember the golden rule—don’t bury the rhizome—provide it with modest light, and it will reward you with years of effortless beauty.

You’ve got this! Go find a beautiful piece of Anubias for your tank. It’s one of the most reliable and rewarding steps you can take on your aquascaping journey. Happy planting!

Howard Parker
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