Can You Plant Anubias Nana In Substrate – The Rhizome Rule For Lush

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever brought home a beautiful, vibrant Anubias Nana, looked at your aquarium substrate, and thought, “Time to plant this little guy”? It’s a natural instinct for any aquarist. You dig a little hole, gently tuck it in, and stand back to admire your work. But a few weeks later, you notice something is wrong. The leaves are yellowing, and the base feels mushy. It’s a frustratingly common story, and it all comes down to one simple misunderstanding.

I promise you, by the end of this guide, you will not only know the definitive answer to “can you plant anubias nana in substrate,” but you’ll also understand the “why” behind it. You’ll learn the secret to keeping this nearly indestructible plant thriving for years to come.

We’re going to dive deep into the unique nature of Anubias, explore the correct and incorrect ways to place it in your tank, and give you a complete can you plant anubias nana in substrate care guide. Let’s get that Anubias looking lush and healthy!

Understanding the Anubias Nana: Why It’s Not Your Typical Aquarium Plant

Before we can talk about planting, we need to understand what makes Anubias so special. Unlike plants like Vallisneria or Amazon Swords that root deep into the substrate for nutrients, Anubias is an epiphyte.

Think of it like an orchid or certain ferns in a rainforest. They don’t grow in the soil; they grow on other things, like tree branches or rocks. Anubias does the same thing in the wild, clinging to driftwood and stones in slow-moving rivers and streams.

The key to its survival is a thick, horizontal stem called the rhizome. This is the lifeblood of the plant. It’s where the leaves and roots sprout from, and it’s where the plant stores its vital energy and nutrients. This single biological feature is what makes planting it so different.

The Big Question: So, Can You Plant Anubias Nana in Substrate?

Here’s the million-dollar answer: Yes, you can, but not in the way you think. You cannot bury the rhizome. I’ll say it again for everyone in the back: never, ever bury the rhizome!

Burying the rhizome in sand, gravel, or aqua soil will cause it to suffocate, rot, and ultimately kill the entire plant. This condition, often called “rhizome rot,” is the number one killer of beginner Anubias plants. The plant simply isn’t adapted to have this part of its structure deprived of water flow and light.

However, the thin, stringy roots that grow down from the rhizome? Those are a different story. The roots can be buried. Their primary function is to anchor the plant, not to absorb the bulk of its nutrients. So, the goal is to anchor the plant using its roots while leaving the rhizome fully exposed above the substrate.

The Golden Rule of Anubias

If you remember one thing from this entire can you plant anubias nana in substrate guide, let it be this:

  • ✅ Roots in substrate: Perfectly fine and a great way to anchor the plant.
  • ❌ Rhizome in substrate: The fastest way to a sad, melting plant.

How to Plant Anubias Nana in Substrate the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get your hands wet? Following these best practices will ensure your Anubias gets a perfect start in its new home. This is the definitive “how to can you plant anubias nana in substrate” method.

  1. Inspect and Prepare Your Plant: When you get your Anubias, it might be in a plastic pot with rock wool. Gently remove the pot and carefully tease away all the rock wool from the roots. Rinse the plant under lukewarm tap water to remove any debris or lingering bits.

  2. Identify the Rhizome and Roots: Take a good look at your plant. The rhizome is the thick, green, horizontal part that all the leaves grow upwards from. The roots are the thinner, more string-like growths that hang downwards from the rhizome.

  3. Find the Perfect Spot: Choose a location in your tank. Anubias are low-light plants, so they do wonderfully in shadier spots, perhaps under taller plants or pieces of driftwood. This also helps prevent algae from growing on their slow-growing leaves.

  4. Position and Anchor: Place the Anubias on top of your substrate (gravel or sand). Let the rhizome rest directly on the surface. Now, take just the very tips of the roots and gently push them into the substrate. You don’t need to bury them deep; just enough to hold the plant in place.

  5. Weigh it Down (Optional): If the plant is buoyant and won’t stay put, you can place a small, aquarium-safe rock or a plant weight gently over a part of the root system (never on the rhizome!) to help anchor it down until the roots take hold on their own.

The Best of Both Worlds: Attaching Anubias to Hardscape

While you can certainly place Anubias on the substrate, the most popular and arguably most natural-looking method is to attach it to hardscape like driftwood or rocks. This mimics how it grows in nature and completely eliminates the risk of accidentally burying the rhizome.

Method 1: The Super Glue Gel Trick

This is my personal favorite method for its speed and simplicity. It’s one of the best can you plant anubias nana in substrate tips you’ll ever get.

  • What you need: Cyanoacrylate-based super glue gel. The gel version is crucial because it’s easier to control and doesn’t run. Make sure it has no other additives.
  • How to do it: Take your Anubias and your piece of rock or driftwood out of the tank. Pat both the rhizome and the spot on the hardscape dry with a paper towel. Apply a few small dabs of super glue gel to the underside of the rhizome, press it firmly onto the hardscape for 30-60 seconds, and you’re done! You can place it back in the aquarium immediately. The glue is 100% fish-safe once cured, which happens almost instantly in water.

Method 2: The Fishing Line or Thread Method

This is a more traditional method and works just as well. It’s a great eco-friendly can you plant anubias nana in substrate approach.

  • What you need: Dark cotton thread or thin fishing line.
  • How to do it: Simply place your Anubias on the hardscape where you want it to grow. Take your thread or fishing line and wrap it around the rhizome and the hardscape a few times to secure it firmly. Tie a secure knot and snip the excess. Over a few months, the Anubias roots will grow and wrap around the object, anchoring themselves permanently. You can then cut and remove the thread if you wish (cotton thread will dissolve on its own over time).

Benefits of Planting Anubias Nana Correctly (and the Risks of Doing it Wrong)

Understanding the “why” can make all the difference. Knowing the benefits of can you plant anubias nana in substrate correctly will motivate you to take that extra minute to do it right.

The Rewards of Proper Placement

  • Healthy, Steady Growth: With an exposed rhizome, your Anubias will have everything it needs to slowly but surely produce new, beautiful leaves.
  • Zero Risk of Rot: You completely avoid the most common problem with can you plant anubias nana in substrate, ensuring your plant’s long-term survival.
  • Natural Aquascape: Allowing the roots to dangle or attach to decor creates a beautifully aged and naturalistic look in your aquarium.
  • A Sustainable Choice: Anubias is a hardy, slow-growing plant. Once established correctly, it requires minimal intervention, making it a truly sustainable can you plant anubias nana in substrate option for a low-maintenance tank.

The Dangers of Burying the Rhizome

  • Rhizome Rot: As mentioned, the rhizome will suffocate, turn to a brown or black mush, and the leaves will detach and float away.
  • Yellowing Leaves (Chlorosis): Before it rots completely, the plant will show signs of distress, with leaves losing their deep green color.
  • Stunted Growth: A struggling plant won’t produce new leaves, and its health will rapidly decline.
  • Wasted Money: Ultimately, planting it incorrectly means you’ll likely have to replace the plant, which no one wants to do!

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias Nana

Why is my Anubias rhizome turning brown and mushy?

This is the classic sign of rhizome rot. It’s almost certainly because the rhizome is buried in the substrate and is suffocating. You should immediately (and gently) lift the plant so the entire rhizome is exposed above the gravel or sand. If only a small part is rotted, you may be able to save the rest of the plant.

Can I use super glue to attach Anubias? Is it safe for my fish and shrimp?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you are using a 100% cyanoacrylate super glue, preferably the gel version. It is completely inert and aquarium-safe once it cures, which it does very quickly when it comes into contact with water. It will not harm your fish, shrimp, or snails.

Do Anubias Nana roots need to be in the substrate at all?

Nope! The roots do not need to be in the substrate. Many aquarists, myself included, have stunning Anubias specimens attached high up on driftwood, with their roots dangling freely in the water column. They will still absorb nutrients directly from the water and look fantastic doing it.

My Anubias came tied to a small piece of wood. Should I remove it?

You can if you want to, but you don’t have to! Often, growers pre-attach Anubias to small pieces of lava rock or cholla wood. You can simply place this entire piece in your aquarium wherever you like. It’s a convenient, ready-made solution that ensures the plant is positioned perfectly from the start.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Thriving Anubias Garden

So, there you have it. The answer to “can you plant anubias nana in substrate” is a resounding “Yes, as long as you follow the one golden rule: Never bury the rhizome!“

This tough, beautiful, and forgiving plant is a true gem in the aquarium hobby. It asks for very little—just low light, a bit of food in the water, and for its rhizome to be free. By respecting its epiphytic nature and either setting it on top of the substrate or attaching it to your hardscape, you are setting it up for a long, healthy life.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with placements on rocks and wood. It’s a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to your aquascape. Now go forth and create that lush, green underwater world you’ve been dreaming of. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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