How Does Anubias Nana Grow – A Beginner’S Guide To Lush, Algae-Free

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever looked at a breathtaking, professionally aquascaped tank, filled with lush, deep green plants, and thought, “I could never do that”? It often seems like a hobby reserved for experts with complex CO2 systems and high-tech lighting.

I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. You absolutely can achieve that beautiful, vibrant look, and it starts with one of the most forgiving and rewarding plants in the entire aquarium hobby: Anubias nana.

This guide promises to demystify everything you need to know about how does anubias nana grow. We’ll walk you through the single most important planting rule, the ideal environment for thriving growth, and how to turn one small plant into many. You’ll gain the confidence of an experienced aquarist, ready to create your own underwater paradise.

So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to growing this incredible aquatic gem.

What is Anubias Nana and Why is it a Beginner’s Dream?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “what.” Anubias nana is a small, hardy aquatic plant originating from the shaded rivers and streams of West Africa. Its full scientific name is Anubias barteri var. nana, but everyone in the hobby just calls it Anubias nana.

It’s famous for its thick, dark green, waxy leaves that feel almost like plastic. This toughness is one of its superpowers—most plant-eating fish tend to leave it alone!

But the real reason it’s a fan favorite, especially for newcomers, is its incredibly easy-going nature. It’s the definition of a low-maintenance plant. It doesn’t demand intense light, it doesn’t need fancy fertilizers, and it grows slowly, meaning you won’t be constantly trimming it back. The benefits of how does anubias nana grow in your tank are numerous.

  • Incredibly Hardy: It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it perfect for beginners who are still learning to balance their tank’s parameters.
  • Low Light Tolerant: It thrives in low to moderate light, so you don’t need to invest in expensive, high-output lighting systems.
  • Versatile in Aquascaping: Its unique growth style allows it to be attached to driftwood, rocks, or decorations, creating stunning visual focal points.
  • Provides Shelter: The broad leaves offer excellent hiding spots for shy fish, fry (baby fish), and shrimp, making them feel more secure.

In short, it’s a beautiful, functional, and nearly indestructible plant that adds a touch of natural elegance to any aquarium.

The Golden Rule: How to Plant Anubias Nana Correctly

If you take only one piece of advice from this entire article, let it be this. Understanding this one crucial step is the key to success and is the most important part of the how to how does anubias nana grow process.

Anubias plants grow from a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome. The leaves grow upwards from the top of the rhizome, and the thin, wiry roots grow downwards from the bottom. Here is the golden rule:

NEVER, EVER BURY THE RHIZOME.

Burying the rhizome under your substrate (gravel or sand) will cause it to suffocate, rot, and ultimately kill the entire plant. Think of it as an air-breathing part of the plant; it must be exposed to the water column. Only the thin roots should go into the substrate, if at all.

Attaching to Hardscape (Driftwood & Rocks)

This is the most popular and visually appealing method. Anubias are “epiphytes,” meaning they are perfectly adapted to grow attached to surfaces rather than in soil.

  1. Choose Your Spot: Find a nook or cranny on your driftwood or a textured spot on a rock where you want the plant to live.
  2. Use Cyanoacrylate Super Glue: Get a tube of gel-type super glue. Make sure it’s 100% cyanoacrylate (most brands like Gorilla Glue Gel or Loctite Super Glue Gel are). This is completely aquarium-safe once cured.
  3. Apply and Attach: Pat the rhizome and the spot on the hardscape dry with a paper towel. Apply a few small dabs of glue to the rock or wood (not the plant!), then press the rhizome firmly onto the glue for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Place in Tank: You can place it back in the tank immediately. The glue will cure underwater. The roots will eventually wrap around the object and anchor the plant permanently.

Alternatively, you can use dark cotton thread or fishing line to tie the rhizome to the hardscape. The thread will dissolve over a few months, by which time the plant’s roots will have taken hold.

Planting in Substrate (The Right Way)

If you prefer the look of Anubias growing from the substrate, you can still do it safely. Simply place the plant on top of the sand or gravel and gently tuck only the thin roots into the substrate. The entire rhizome should sit clearly above the substrate, fully exposed to the water.

The Ideal Environment: A Complete Anubias Nana Care Guide

Once planted correctly, Anubias nana is incredibly forgiving. However, providing it with a stable environment will ensure it not only survives but thrives. This how does anubias nana grow care guide covers the four key pillars of its environment.

Lighting Requirements

This is where Anubias truly shines for beginners. It prefers low to moderate lighting. In fact, blasting it with high-intensity light is one of the few ways to cause problems, as it encourages algae to grow on its slow-growing leaves.

A standard LED light that comes with a beginner aquarium kit is often perfect. Aim for a photoperiod of about 6-8 hours per day. If you see green or black spot algae forming on the leaves, it’s a sign your light is too intense or on for too long.

Water Parameters

Anubias nana is not fussy. It will adapt to almost any typical tropical aquarium setup. For optimal growth, aim for these general ranges:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Water Hardness (GH): 3-15 dGH

Don’t stress about hitting these numbers exactly. The most important thing is to keep your water parameters stable. A consistent environment is always better than one that is constantly changing.

Fertilization Needs

As a slow-growing plant, Anubias nana is a light feeder. It primarily absorbs nutrients through its leaves and roots directly from the water column, not the substrate. This means root tabs are largely ineffective.

In a tank with a healthy fish population, the waste produced by the fish often provides enough nutrients. If your tank is sparsely stocked or you notice yellowing leaves, a weekly dose of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer (one that contains both macro and micronutrients) is more than enough to keep it happy.

CO2 – Necessary or Optional?

Absolutely optional! This is another huge benefit for beginners. Anubias nana does not require CO2 injection to grow well. While adding CO2 can slightly increase its growth rate, it’s an unnecessary expense and complication if your goal is simply a healthy, beautiful plant.

Propagation: Creating More Anubias Nana for Free!

One of the most rewarding parts of plant ownership is creating more plants. Propagating Anubias is incredibly simple and is a core part of understanding how does anubias nana grow and spread. This is also a fantastic approach to sustainable how does anubias nana grow practices, allowing you to fill out a tank from a single purchase.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Remove the Plant: Gently take the mother plant out of your aquarium.
  2. Identify the Rhizome: Lay it on a flat, clean surface and locate the long, green rhizome.
  3. Make the Cut: Using a sharp, clean razor blade or aquascaping scissors, carefully cut the rhizome into sections.
  4. Check Your Sections: Ensure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves and, ideally, a few roots attached. This gives the new plant the best chance of success.
  5. Replant: That’s it! You now have multiple new Anubias plants. Attach them to new pieces of hardscape or place them elsewhere in your tank using the methods described above.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How Does Anubias Nana Grow

Even the toughest plants can run into issues. Don’t worry—most problems are easy to diagnose and fix. Here are the most common problems with how does anubias nana grow and how to solve them.

Algae on Leaves (The #1 Issue)

The Problem: Dark green or black spots, or fuzzy green patches, appear on the older leaves.

The Cause: This happens because Anubias leaves grow so slowly that they provide a perfect, stable surface for algae to colonize. It’s almost always caused by too much light or an excess of nutrients in the water.

The Solution: Reduce your lighting duration to 6-7 hours. If the light is dimmable, turn down the intensity. Introduce an “algae cleanup crew” like Nerite snails, Amano shrimp, or Otocinclus catfish, who love to graze on these leaves. You can also gently wipe the algae off with your thumb during a water change.

Yellowing Leaves

The Problem: One or more leaves are turning yellow.

The Cause: If it’s just one or two of the oldest, largest leaves, this is likely just the natural life cycle of the plant shedding old growth. If multiple leaves are yellowing, it could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, often nitrogen or iron.

The Solution: Trim off the dying leaf at its base. If the problem persists, start dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer once a week.

Melting or Rotting Rhizome

The Problem: The rhizome feels soft and mushy, and the leaves are detaching.

The Cause: 99% of the time, this is because the rhizome was buried in the substrate and is suffocating.

The Solution: Immediately unbury it. If any part of the rhizome is still firm and green, you may be able to save it. Cut away all the soft, rotting sections with a sharp blade. Let the remaining healthy piece float for a few days to recover before re-attaching it to hardscape.

Pro Tips: How Does Anubias Nana Grow Best Practices

Ready to take your Anubias game to the next level? Here are a few how does anubias nana grow best practices I’ve learned over years of keeping these plants.

  • Strategic Placement: Place Anubias in areas of your tank with low to moderate water flow. High flow can cause debris to constantly settle on its broad leaves.
  • Be Patient: Remember, slow growth is a feature, not a bug! It means less maintenance for you. Don’t expect rapid changes; just enjoy its steady, reliable presence.
  • Give it a Swish: During your weekly water changes, give the Anubias leaves a gentle swish with your hand to dislodge any settled debris and keep them clean.
  • Create Depth: Use Anubias nana in the midground of your aquascape, attached to the base of driftwood, to create a beautiful sense of depth and a smooth transition from foreground to background.
  • Mix and Match: Combine Anubias nana with its smaller cousin, Anubias nana ‘Petite’, for a wonderful contrast in leaf size and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Anubias Nana Grows

How fast does Anubias nana grow?

Anubias nana is a very slow grower. In a healthy, stable environment, you can expect it to produce a new leaf every 3-5 weeks. This slow pace is what makes it so low-maintenance.

Can Anubias nana grow floating?

Not effectively. While it might survive for a while if left floating, it will not thrive. The plant needs its roots to anchor itself and absorb some nutrients. It’s best to attach it to a surface or weight it down.

Do I need special substrate for Anubias nana?

No, not at all! Since it’s an epiphyte that feeds from the water column, the type of substrate you use is irrelevant to the plant’s health. You can use sand, gravel, or aqua soil—whatever fits your aesthetic goals.

What fish are safe to keep with Anubias nana?

Almost all of them! Its leaves are tough, waxy, and have a bitter taste, which deters most herbivores. It’s a fantastic choice for tanks with community fish, Bettas, and even some less aggressive cichlids or goldfish that might otherwise destroy more delicate plants.

Go Forth and Grow!

You now have the complete how does anubias nana grow guide at your fingertips. From the golden rule of never burying the rhizome to its simple lighting and nutrient needs, you are fully equipped to grow this amazing plant with confidence.

Anubias nana is more than just a plant; it’s a stepping stone into the deeply rewarding world of aquascaping. It proves that you don’t need a complicated or expensive setup to create a truly beautiful and natural underwater world.

So go ahead, add a piece to your aquarium, attach it to a beautiful piece of driftwood, and watch as it slowly but surely transforms your tank with its timeless, elegant beauty. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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