How Deep To Plant Anubias Nana – Your Step-By-Step Guide For Lush

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever brought home a gorgeous, deep-green Anubias Nana, carefully tucked it into your aquarium’s substrate, and then watched in dismay as it slowly rotted away? It’s a frustratingly common story in the aquarium hobby, and trust me, you are not alone.

Many of us have been there, wondering what we did wrong. But I promise, the problem isn’t your skill—it’s the technique. The secret to this seemingly “tricky” plant is surprisingly simple, and it goes against everything we think we know about planting.

In this comprehensive how deep to plant anubias nana guide, we’re going to unravel the mystery. You’ll learn the single most important rule for Anubias care, discover three foolproof methods for securing it in your tank, and gain the confidence to grow lush, healthy Anubias that will be the envy of your aquascaping friends.

Let’s dive in and turn that frustration into success!

Why “Planting Depth” Is a Trick Question for Anubias

Here’s the big secret, the one piece of information that changes everything: Anubias Nana isn’t meant to be planted in the substrate at all.

That’s right. The question of “how deep to plant anubias nana” is misleading because these plants are epiphytes. Think of them like orchids or air plants of the aquatic world. In their native habitats in West Africa, they don’t grow in the mud at the bottom of rivers.

Instead, they cling to surfaces like driftwood, rocks, and larger plant roots. They use their roots as anchors to hold on, while absorbing nutrients directly from the water column through both their roots and a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome.

Burying this rhizome in sand or gravel is the number one reason these hardy plants fail. It suffocates the plant, cutting off its access to oxygen and flowing water, which quickly leads to the dreaded rhizome rot.

Understanding Your Anubias Nana: The All-Important Rhizome

To truly master Anubias care, you need to know its basic anatomy. It’s super simple and will make all the difference in your approach.

Let’s break it down:

  • The Leaves: These are the beautiful, waxy, dark green parts we all love. They are tough and grow slowly, which makes them resistant to many plant-eating fish.
  • The Rhizome: This is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. It looks like a chunky, green log. This is the lifeblood of the plant. It stores nutrients and energy. The rhizome must always be exposed to the water column.
  • The Roots: These are the stringy, often brownish-white growths coming from the bottom of the rhizome. Their main job is to anchor the plant to a surface. While they can absorb some nutrients, their primary function is gripping.

Imagine the rhizome as the plant’s torso and lungs combined. If you bury it, the plant can’t “breathe,” and it will begin to decay from the inside out. This is the core principle behind all successful Anubias care.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to “Plant” Anubias Nana the Correct Way

Now that you know the golden rule—never bury the rhizome—let’s get to the fun part. Here are the three best methods for securing your Anubias Nana in your aquarium. This is the ultimate how deep to plant anubias nana care guide for beginners and pros alike.

First, Prep Your Plant

Whether your Anubias came in a plastic pot with rock wool or tied to a small piece of decor, a little prep work goes a long way.

  1. Remove from Packaging: Gently take the plant out of its pot or off its temporary mount.
  2. Clean the Roots: Carefully pick away all the fuzzy rock wool from the roots. Be patient—you don’t want to damage them. Rinsing under lukewarm tap water can help loosen stubborn bits.
  3. Inspect and Trim: Look for any yellowing leaves or mushy, dark parts on the rhizome or roots. Trim these away with clean, sharp aquascaping scissors. A healthy rhizome is firm and green or light brown.

Method 1: The Super Glue Method (The Aquarist’s Favorite)

This is my personal go-to method. It’s fast, secure, and looks completely natural once the plant grows in. It’s one of the best how deep to plant anubias nana tips you’ll ever get.

What You’ll Need:

  • Your prepped Anubias Nana
  • A piece of driftwood or porous rock (like lava rock)
  • Aquarium-safe super glue gel (MUST be cyanoacrylate-based)
  • Paper towels

Steps:

  1. Dry the Surfaces: Pat the spot on your hardscape and the rhizome of the Anubias dry with a paper towel. The glue works much faster on dry surfaces.
  2. Apply the Glue: Place a few small dabs of the super glue gel onto the rock or wood where you want to attach the plant. Do not slather the entire rhizome in glue.
  3. Press and Hold: Firmly press the rhizome onto the dabs of glue. Hold it in place for 30-60 seconds until it feels secure. You can also glue a few of the tougher, older roots down for extra stability.
  4. Place in Tank: That’s it! You can now place your newly mounted Anubias directly into your aquarium. The glue is inert and 100% fish-safe once cured, which happens almost instantly in water.

Method 2: The Thread or Fishing Line Method (The Classic Choice)

This is a time-tested, eco-friendly how deep to plant anubias nana technique. It requires no chemicals and allows the plant to attach itself naturally over time.

What You’ll Need:

  • Your prepped Anubias Nana
  • Driftwood or rock
  • 100% cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe plant wire

Steps:

  1. Position the Plant: Place the Anubias rhizome against the surface of your hardscape exactly where you want it to grow.
  2. Wrap and Secure: Take your thread or fishing line and wrap it around the hardscape and over the rhizome several times. Make sure the wraps are snug enough to hold the plant firmly, but not so tight that they crush the rhizome.
  3. Tie it Off: Tie a secure knot and trim any excess line. If you use cotton thread, it will naturally dissolve in a few months, right around the time the Anubias roots have taken a firm hold on their own.

Method 3: The Wedge and Weight Method (The Simple & Non-Invasive)

Don’t have glue or thread? No problem! This method uses gravity and your existing aquascape to do the work. This is a key part of any good how deep to plant anubias nana best practices.

What You’ll Need:

  • Your prepped Anubias Nana
  • An aquascape with cracks, crevices, or multiple rocks
  • Optional: Plant weights (lead-free)

Steps:

  1. Find a Nook: Look for a natural crevice in your driftwood or a tight spot between two rocks.
  2. Gently Wedge: Carefully tuck the rhizome (or just the roots) into the crevice. The goal is for the hardscape to hold the plant in place without you needing to bury the rhizome.
  3. Use Weights (Optional): If you want the Anubias to sit at the bottom but don’t have a good anchor spot, you can loosely wrap a plant weight around the roots (never the rhizome!). Let the roots be lightly covered by the substrate, ensuring the rhizome sits proudly on top.

Common Problems with How Deep to Plant Anubias Nana (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with how deep to plant anubias nana and their simple solutions.

Problem: My Anubias Rhizome is Turning Brown and Mushy!

Cause: This is classic rhizome rot. You’ve likely buried the rhizome in the substrate, even just a little bit.

Solution: Act fast! Gently pull the plant up. Trim away any soft, rotting parts of the rhizome with a sharp, sterile blade. Let the healthy part of the plant float for a few days to recover, then re-attach it to hardscape using one of the methods above, ensuring the rhizome is fully exposed.

Problem: My Newly “Planted” Anubias is Floating!

Cause: The attachment isn’t secure. This is common if the glue didn’t fully cure or the thread wasn’t tied tightly enough.

Solution: Simply take it out and re-attach it. If using glue, make sure the surfaces are a bit drier this time. If using thread, add a few more wraps and a tighter knot.

Problem: My Anubias Leaves are Covered in Green Spot Algae.

Cause: Anubias are slow growers, which makes their leaves a prime target for algae. This is usually caused by lighting that is too intense or on for too long, or an imbalance of nutrients in the water.

Solution: Try reducing your lighting period to 6-8 hours per day. If possible, place the Anubias in a shadier part of the tank, under larger plants or driftwood overhangs. Adding algae-eaters like Nerite snails or Amano shrimp can also work wonders.

Benefits of Planting Anubias Nana Correctly

Understanding the proper way to plant Anubias isn’t just about preventing rot. The benefits of how deep to plant anubias nana correctly are huge for your aquarium’s health and beauty.

  • Thriving, Healthy Plants: Your Anubias will have the best chance to grow strong, produce new leaves, and even flower underwater.
  • Aquascaping Versatility: You can place them anywhere! Mid-ground on a piece of spiderwood, low-light corners on a dragon stone—your creativity is the only limit.
  • Naturalistic Look: Attaching Anubias to hardscape mimics how it grows in nature, creating a more authentic and aged look for your aquarium.
  • A Sustainable, Long-Lasting Plant: A healthy Anubias can live for years, becoming a permanent and beautiful fixture in your underwater world. This is the heart of sustainable how deep to plant anubias nana practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias Nana

Can I bury just the roots of my Anubias Nana in the substrate?

Yes, you absolutely can! As long as the entire rhizome is sitting on top of the substrate and exposed to the water, you can let the roots grow down into the sand or gravel. This can be a great way to anchor the plant if you don’t want to attach it to hardscape.

What kind of super glue is safe for my fish and shrimp?

The key is to use a glue that is 100% cyanoacrylate. Gel versions work best as they are thicker and easier to control. Avoid any “super glue” with special additives or bonders. Brands like Gorilla Glue Gel Superglue or Loctite Super Glue Gel Control are popular, safe choices in the hobby.

How long does it take for Anubias Nana to attach itself to wood or rock?

Patience is key. It can take anywhere from one to three months, or sometimes longer, for the roots to firmly grip a new surface. During this time, the thread or glue will hold it in place. You’ll know it’s attached when you see new, whiteish-green root tips growing and clinging to the hardscape.

My Anubias isn’t growing at all. Is it dead?

Not necessarily! Anubias are notoriously slow growers. As long as the rhizome is firm and the leaves are green, it’s likely just acclimating to your tank. Ensure it’s getting low-to-moderate light and some nutrients in the water column (a comprehensive liquid fertilizer can help). Sometimes, “no growth” is perfectly normal for a while.

Your Journey to Lush Anubias Starts Now

You now hold the key to successfully growing one of the most beloved plants in the aquarium hobby. The secret was never about depth—it was about elevation.

Remember the golden rule: Keep the rhizome above the substrate. Whether you choose the glue, thread, or wedge method, you are setting your plant up for a long, healthy life.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement to create stunning focal points in your aquascape. You’ve moved beyond the common pitfalls and are now equipped with the expert knowledge to make your Anubias Nana thrive. Go forth and grow!

Howard Parker
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