How To Grow Anubias In Aquarium – The Complete Guide To The World’s Toughest Plant

Keeping a planted tank can sometimes feel like a high-stakes science experiment, especially when you are just starting out.

You want a lush, green environment for your fish, but the fear of “melting” expensive plants can be a real deterrent.

If you are looking for a plant that is nearly indestructible and incredibly beautiful, learning how to grow anubias in aquarium setups is the ultimate game-changer for your hobby.

In this guide, I am going to show you exactly how to plant, maintain, and propagate this prehistoric-looking beauty so your tank looks like a professional aquascape in no time.

Understanding the Basics of Anubias

Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants native to the tropical regions of Central and Western Africa.

In the wild, they are often found growing in shaded rivers and streams, frequently attached to rocks or fallen logs near the water’s edge.

Because they are epiphytes, they have evolved to thrive without their roots buried in traditional soil or sand.

This unique characteristic makes them incredibly versatile for the modern home aquarium.

The Anatomy of Anubias

To master how to grow anubias in aquarium environments, you must first understand the rhizome.

The rhizome is the thick, horizontal green stem from which both the leaves and the roots grow.

Think of the rhizome as the “heart” of the plant; if the heart is healthy, the plant will survive almost anything.

The leaves are typically thick, leather-like, and dark green, which makes them very resistant to herbivorous fish that might try to snack on them.

Common Varieties for Your Tank

Not all Anubias are the same size, which gives you plenty of options for different areas of your scape.

Anubias barteri var. nana is perhaps the most popular choice for beginners due to its compact size and heart-shaped leaves.

If you have a smaller “nano” tank, Anubias nana petite is a tiny version that looks stunning when tucked into small crevices.

For those with larger displays, Anubias barteri or Anubias gigantea can grow quite large, acting as a perfect background focal point.

If you want something unique, Anubias coffeefolia features beautiful ribbed leaves that resemble the foliage of a coffee plant.

How to Grow Anubias in Aquarium: The Golden Rule of Planting

If there is only one thing you take away from this entire guide, let it be this: never bury the rhizome in the substrate.

When you bury the thick green stem in sand or gravel, the plant cannot “breathe” or exchange nutrients properly with the water column.

This almost always leads to rhizome rot, where the stem turns mushy and the plant eventually dies.

Instead, you want to keep the rhizome exposed to the water flow at all times.

Method 1: Attaching to Hardscape

The most natural way to grow this plant is by attaching it to pieces of driftwood or volcanic rock.

You can use a small amount of cyanoacrylate-based super glue gel to stick the roots (not necessarily the rhizome) directly to the surface.

Don’t worry—this glue is completely safe for fish and shrimp once it has cured for a few seconds.

Alternatively, you can use fishing line or dark cotton thread to tie the plant down until the roots naturally grip the surface.

Method 2: Wedging into Crevices

If you have a rock-heavy layout, you can simply wedge the roots of the plant into a small crack between two stones.

As long as the rhizome is not compressed or buried, the plant will eventually extend its roots to anchor itself firmly.

This is a great way to add “greenery” to vertical surfaces in your aquarium.

Method 3: “Planting” in Substrate (The Safe Way)

If you absolutely want your Anubias on the floor of the tank, you can push the thin, white roots into the gravel.

However, you must ensure the thick green rhizome stays completely above the surface of the substrate.

I often suggest pulling the plant up slightly after “planting” it just to be 100% sure the rhizome is clear.

Ideal Water Parameters and Environment

One of the reasons why learning how to grow anubias in aquarium conditions is so rewarding is the plant’s tolerance for a wide range of water types.

While they are hardy, providing the “sweet spot” will result in faster growth and more vibrant colors.

Lighting Requirements

Anubias is a classic low-light plant. In fact, it actually prefers shaded areas of the tank.

If your lights are too intense, you might notice Green Spot Algae (GSA) growing on the slow-growing leaves.

If you have high-powered LED lights for other plants, try placing your Anubias under the shadow of a larger plant or a piece of overhanging wood.

Temperature and pH

These plants thrive in standard tropical temperatures, ideally between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

They are very flexible regarding pH, though they prefer a range between 6.0 and 7.5.

As long as your water parameters are stable, your Anubias will likely be very happy.

Nutrients and CO2

Does Anubias need CO2? In short, no. It will grow perfectly fine in a low-tech setup without any added gas.

However, it does benefit from a liquid fertilizer added to the water column once a week.

Since its roots are often exposed, it draws most of its nutrients directly from the water rather than the soil.

Maintenance and Pruning Tips

Because Anubias is a slow grower, it doesn’t require much maintenance, but a little TLC goes a long way.

Over time, older leaves may become covered in algae or start to turn yellow.

You can simply use a sharp pair of aquascaping scissors to snip the leaf stem near the rhizome.

This encourages the plant to redirect its energy into new growth.

Cleaning the Leaves

Since the leaves are quite tough, you can actually “dust” them during your weekly water change.

Gently rub the surface of the leaves with your thumb and forefinger to remove any settled debris or film.

Keeping the leaves clean ensures the plant can maximize its photosynthesis potential.

How to Propagate Anubias Successfully

Once you have mastered how to grow anubias in aquarium settings, you will eventually want more of them!

The good news is that propagation is incredibly easy and won’t cost you a dime.

Wait until your plant has a long rhizome with at least 6 to 8 leaves attached.

Take a sterilized blade and cut the rhizome into two or more pieces.

Crucial Tip: Each new piece must have at least 3 leaves and a healthy section of rhizome to ensure it has enough energy to grow.

Once cut, you can simply attach the new “baby” plant to a different part of your tank.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Even the hardiest plants can run into trouble if the environment is significantly off-balance.

Rhizome Rot

If the rhizome feels soft or looks like it is disintegrating, it is likely rotting.

This is usually caused by burying the plant or a lack of water circulation around the stem.

If you catch it early, you can cut away the rotting section and hope the healthy part recovers.

Algae Growth on Leaves

Because Anubias grows so slowly, its leaves are a prime target for algae.

If you see hair algae or spot algae, try reducing your light duration to 6-8 hours a day.

Adding Amano shrimp or Nerite snails to your tank is also a fantastic way to keep the leaves polished and clean.

Yellowing Leaves (Chlorosis)

If the leaves are turning yellow but the veins stay green, your plant might be suffering from an iron deficiency.

A simple dose of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer usually fixes this within a few weeks.

Best Tank Mates for Anubias

Anubias is the “universal donor” of the aquarium world—it fits in almost anywhere.

Because the leaves are so tough, they are one of the few plants that can survive in tanks with African Cichlids or sandy-bottom Goldfish tanks.

Shrimp keepers love Anubias because the broad leaves provide a perfect “grazing platform” for biofilm.

In a community tank, fish like Betta splendens often use the wide leaves as a natural bed to rest on near the surface.

Why You Should Choose Anubias for Your Next Project

If you are a beginner, the success you find with how to grow anubias in aquarium environments will give you the confidence to try more difficult plants later.

It is a “set it and forget it” plant that rewards you with deep, lush greenery for years.

It doesn’t require expensive substrates, fancy CO2 regulators, or high-end lighting.

All it needs is a little bit of shade, a steady flow of water, and a rock to call home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Anubias grow out of the water?

Yes! Anubias is amphibious. It can grow with its roots submerged and its leaves in the air, making it perfect for paludariums or terrariums. Just make sure the humidity is very high so the leaves don’t dry out.

How fast does Anubias grow?

It is notoriously slow. You might only see one new leaf every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the conditions. Don’t be discouraged; this slow growth is what makes it so low-maintenance.

Why is my Anubias melting?

“Melting” usually happens when the plant is moved from an emersed (grown out of water) environment to a submersed one. The old leaves die off to make way for new, aquatic-adapted leaves. Just be patient and keep the water clean.

Does Anubias produce flowers?

Surprisingly, yes! A happy Anubias will occasionally produce a white, calla-lily-like flower underwater. While the flower won’t last forever, it is a sign that your tank environment is excellent.

Can I use Anubias in a Betta tank?

Absolutely. It is actually one of the best plants for Bettas. The leaves are soft enough not to tear their delicate fins, and they provide great hiding spots.

Final Thoughts on Growing Anubias

Learning how to grow anubias in aquarium setups is a fundamental skill for every hobbyist.

Whether you are building your first 10-gallon tank or a massive 125-gallon display, this plant offers unmatched versatility and beauty.

Remember to keep that rhizome above the substrate, give it some shade, and be patient with its growth.

Before long, you will have a thriving, green underwater garden that your fish (and your guests) will absolutely love.

Happy planting, and welcome to the wonderful world of “Anubias-keeping”—your aquarium is about to look better than ever!