Does Anubias Need To Be Planted – The Definitive Guide To Avoiding Rot
So, you’ve just brought home a beautiful Anubias plant. Its deep green, waxy leaves are stunning, and you can already picture it adding that perfect touch of nature to your aquarium. You’re excited to get it in the tank, but then a critical question stops you in your tracks: do you plant it in the gravel like everything else?
It’s a moment almost every new aquarist has. You see roots, and your first instinct is to bury them. But with Anubias, that instinct could lead to a slow, mushy death for your beautiful new plant.
Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. The question of does anubias need to be planted is one of the most common—and crucial—topics for hobbyists, and we’re going to answer it definitively. In this guide, I’ll promise to clear up all the confusion and show you the exact methods the pros use to ensure their Anubias not only survives but absolutely thrives.
We’ll cover why burying the most important part of this plant is a recipe for disaster, explore the best ways to attach your Anubias to rocks and driftwood, and share some expert care tips that will keep it looking gorgeous for years. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to a happy, healthy Anubias!
The Short Answer is NO! Understanding the Anubias Rhizome
Let’s get straight to the point: you should NOT plant the rhizome of your Anubias in the substrate. Doing so is the number one mistake beginners make with this otherwise incredibly hardy plant.
To understand why, you need to know about its anatomy. The thick, horizontal stem that the leaves and roots grow from is called the rhizome. Think of it as the plant’s central artery and lifeline.
The rhizome is responsible for storing nutrients and energy. Unlike stem plants that absorb nutrients primarily through roots buried in the substrate, Anubias is an epiphyte. This means in its natural habitat, it grows attached to other surfaces like rocks and fallen logs, not in the soil. Its rhizome needs to be exposed to the water column to “breathe” and absorb nutrients.
When you bury the rhizome in gravel or sand, you effectively suffocate it. It can’t perform its essential functions, and it will begin to rot away. The leaves will turn yellow, the rhizome will become black and mushy, and eventually, the entire plant will die. This is the core of our does anubias need to be planted care guide.
So, How *Should* You Plant Anubias? The Best Practices for Attachment
Now that you know what not to do, let’s focus on the right way to secure your Anubias. The goal is to attach it to a piece of hardscape—like driftwood, lava rock, or slate—where its rhizome can stay out in the open water. Here are three of the most effective methods we use at Aquifarm.
Method 1: The Super Glue Method (Our Favorite!)
This is by far the quickest and easiest method, and it’s perfectly safe for your fish and shrimp. The key is to use the right kind of glue.
- Choose Your Glue: You need a super glue that is 100% cyanoacrylate. Gel-type super glues (like Loctite Super Glue Gel Control) are best because they are thicker and easier to control.
- Prepare the Plant and Surface: Take your Anubias and the rock or driftwood you want to attach it to out of the water. Pat the specific spot on the hardscape and the bottom of the rhizome dry with a paper towel. They don’t have to be bone-dry, just not dripping wet.
- Apply the Glue: Place a few small dots of the gel super glue onto the dry spot on your hardscape. Avoid using too much! A little goes a long way.
- Press and Hold: Firmly press the rhizome of the Anubias onto the glue dots and hold it in place for about 30-60 seconds. The glue cures almost instantly when it comes into contact with moisture.
- Place it in the Tank: Once it feels secure, you can immediately place it back into your aquarium. The glue is inert and completely aquarium-safe once cured.
Method 2: The Fishing Line or Thread Method
This classic method is great if you don’t want to use glue. It takes a little more patience but is just as effective. This is one of the most sustainable does anubias need to be planted tips you can follow.
- Choose Your Material: You can use dark green or black cotton thread, which will eventually dissolve on its own, or a thin fishing line, which is stronger but will need to be cut away later.
- Position the Plant: Place the Anubias on the hardscape exactly where you want it to grow.
- Tie it Down: Carefully wrap the thread or fishing line around the hardscape and over the rhizome a few times. Be gentle—you want it to be secure, but not so tight that you damage the rhizome.
- Knot it Securely: Tie a secure knot on the underside or back of the hardscape where it won’t be visible. Trim any excess line.
Over several weeks and months, the Anubias’s roots will grow and wrap around the surface, anchoring itself permanently. At that point, you can snip away the fishing line if you wish.
Method 3: The “Wedge” Method
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. This method requires no extra materials, just a clever eye for your aquascape.
Simply find a natural crevice or gap in your hardscape—between two rocks or in a crack on a piece of driftwood—and gently wedge the Anubias rhizome into it. Make sure it’s snug enough that it won’t float away but not so tight that it gets crushed.
The roots will eventually find their way out and grip onto the surrounding surfaces, securing the plant for good.
The Many Benefits of Planting Anubias Correctly
Understanding the answer to “does anubias need to be planted” and following these best practices unlocks a host of benefits for both your plant and your aquarium ecosystem.
- Prevents Rhizome Rot: This is the most obvious benefit. By keeping the rhizome exposed, you ensure your plant lives a long, healthy life.
- Promotes Strong Root Growth: The fine, hair-like roots will actively seek out the surface of your hardscape, creating a strong, natural-looking anchor.
- Creates a Stunning, Natural Look: Anubias attached to driftwood or rocks mimics how it grows in the wild, adding a layer of authenticity and beauty to your aquascape.
- Offers Incredible Versatility: You can place Anubias almost anywhere! Attach it low on rocks for a foreground accent, high on driftwood branches for a mid-ground focal point, or even use it to hide equipment like filter intakes.
- Provides Shelter for Aquarium Inhabitants: The broad, sturdy leaves create perfect resting spots and hiding places for shy fish, shrimp, and fry, reducing stress and promoting natural behaviors.
The Ultimate Anubias Care Guide for Lush, Algae-Free Leaves
Proper attachment is just the first step. To keep your Anubias looking its best, you’ll want to provide the right environment. Don’t worry—these plants are famous for being low-maintenance!
Lighting Requirements
Anubias are low-light plants. This is one of their biggest selling points. They thrive in shaded areas of the tank, under floating plants, or in aquariums with low-to-moderate lighting. In fact, placing them under intense, direct light is a common mistake that leads to algae, especially stubborn Green Spot Algae, growing on their slow-growing leaves.
Water Parameters & Fertilization
These plants are tough as nails. They tolerate a wide range of water parameters, making them suitable for almost any tropical community tank. They do best in temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Because they feed from the water column, they will benefit from a comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week. They don’t require CO2 injection but will certainly appreciate it with more robust growth.
Pruning and Propagation
As your Anubias grows, older leaves may yellow and die off. Simply snip these leaves off at the base of their stem, as close to the rhizome as possible. This directs the plant’s energy toward new growth.
Propagating Anubias is incredibly easy. Once the rhizome is long enough (at least 3-4 inches), you can cut it into smaller sections using a sharp, sterile blade. Make sure each new section has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. Then, simply attach these new pieces to other spots in your tank!
Common Problems with Anubias (And How to Solve Them)
Even the hardiest plants can run into trouble. Here are some of the most common problems with anubias need to be planted incorrectly, and how to fix them.
Problem: The Rhizome is Turning Mushy and Black
Cause: It’s almost certainly buried in the substrate or has been damaged.
Solution: Unbury it immediately! Gently lift it out of the gravel or sand. If the rot is advanced, you may need to perform surgery. Use a clean razor blade to cut away any black, mushy parts of the rhizome until you see healthy, firm green or white tissue. Then, re-attach it to hardscape.
Problem: Green or Black Spots on the Leaves
Cause: This is typically Green Spot Algae (GSA) or Black Brush Algae (BBA). GSA is often caused by too much light and/or a phosphate imbalance. BBA is often linked to fluctuating CO2 levels.
Solution: Reduce your lighting period or move the plant to a shadier spot. For GSA, ensure you are dosing a balanced fertilizer. You can gently scrub the algae off the tough leaves with a soft toothbrush during a water change. For BBA, improving water flow and stabilizing CO2 can help.
Problem: Slow or Stagnant Growth
Cause: Anubias are naturally slow growers, so patience is key. However, if it shows zero new growth for many months, it could be due to extremely low light or a lack of nutrients.
Solution: Ensure the plant isn’t in complete darkness. While it likes shade, it still needs some light to photosynthesize. Start dosing a good all-in-one liquid fertilizer if you aren’t already. A little boost can make a big difference.
Choosing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias
As aquarists, we have a connection to the natural world, and making responsible choices matters. Following an eco-friendly does anubias need to be planted philosophy is easy.
Look for tissue-cultured Anubias. These plants are grown in a sterile lab environment, which means they are guaranteed to be free of pests (like snails), algae, and diseases. This is the most sustainable way to ensure you aren’t introducing unwanted hitchhikers into your aquarium.
Additionally, by learning to propagate your own Anubias, you can share clippings with fellow hobbyists in your local aquarium club. This reduces the demand for wild-harvested plants and fosters a wonderful sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias
Can Anubias roots go into the substrate?
Yes, absolutely! The thin, stringy roots that grow down from the rhizome are different. They are primarily for anchoring the plant. It’s perfectly fine—and actually beneficial—for these roots to grow down into your gravel or sand. Just remember the golden rule: the rhizome must stay above the substrate.
What kind of super glue is safe for aquariums?
Any super glue that lists cyanoacrylate as its primary ingredient is aquarium-safe once it has cured (which happens in under a minute). Gel-type glues are highly recommended because they are less runny and give you more control during application.
My Anubias came in a plastic pot with rock wool. What do I do?
This is very common. First, gently slide the plant out of the plastic pot. Then, painstakingly remove all of the rock wool (the fibrous material) from around the roots. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to pick it all away. It’s important to remove it all, as it can trap debris and promote rot if left on the rhizome.
How long does it take for Anubias to attach itself?
Patience is a virtue with Anubias. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the roots to grow long enough and strong enough to firmly grip a new surface. During this time, just leave it be and let it do its thing.
Your Anubias Adventure Awaits!
You now have the complete does anubias need to be planted guide in your aquascaping toolkit. The single most important takeaway is to respect the rhizome—never bury it!
By attaching your Anubias to driftwood or rocks, you’re not just planting it correctly; you’re setting it up for a long, healthy life and creating a more dynamic, natural-looking underwater world.
So go ahead, grab that beautiful Anubias, pick out the perfect piece of hardscape, and give your plant the home it truly deserves. Happy scaping!
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