How To Grow Anubias Nana Fast – Your 7-Step Guide To Lush, Vibrant

Written ByHoward Parker

Let’s be honest. You probably got your Anubias nana because you heard it was “easy” and “indestructible.” You pictured it adding a lush, deep green accent to your driftwood, a perfect low-maintenance plant. But now you’re staring at it, weeks or even months later, and it looks… exactly the same. It’s not dying, but it certainly isn’t thriving.

If you’re feeling a little frustrated, you’re not alone. It’s a common story in the aquarium hobby. We’re told Anubias is a slow grower, and we accept it. But what if I told you that “slow” doesn’t have to mean “stagnant”?

I promise you, with a few key adjustments, you can unlock the true potential of this amazing plant. This isn’t about complicated science or expensive gear. It’s about understanding what your Anubias truly needs to flourish. In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps and provide all the how to grow anubias nana fast tips you need to turn that static plant into a vibrant, growing centerpiece of your aquascape.

Why “Slow” Doesn’t Mean “No” Growth: Understanding Your Anubias Nana

Before we dive into the “how,” it’s helpful to understand the “why.” Anubias nana hails from the shady streams and rivers of West Africa. It’s an epiphyte, which is a fancy word meaning it grows attached to surfaces like rocks and wood, not in the substrate.

Its entire life strategy is built around being tough and resilient in low-light, competitive environments. This is why it grows slowly by default. It conserves energy, building thick, hardy leaves that can withstand curious fish and changing conditions.

So, why would you want to speed things up? The benefits of how to grow anubias nana fast are significant. Faster growth means a healthier plant that is more resistant to algae, provides more cover for shy fish and shrimp, and allows you to propagate it, creating new plants for free! This is the cornerstone of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly how to grow anubias nana fast system in your own home.

The Foundation: How to Plant Anubias Nana Correctly (Hint: Don’t Bury It!)

If you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this. The single biggest mistake aquarists make with Anubias is planting it incorrectly. Get this right, and you’re already halfway to success.

The Golden Rule: Keep the Rhizome Exposed

Look closely at your Anubias plant. You’ll see the leaves and roots sprouting from a thick, horizontal stem. This is the rhizome. It’s the life force of the plant, storing nutrients and energy.

Never, ever bury the rhizome in your substrate (gravel or sand).

Burying it will cut off its access to oxygen and light, causing it to quickly rot and kill the entire plant. This is the most common reason Anubias plants suddenly “melt” and die. The rhizome must always be above the substrate, exposed to the water column.

Best Attachment Methods

Since you can’t plant it in the substrate, you need to attach your Anubias to something. Here are the two best methods:

  • The Super Glue Method (My Favorite): Use a gel-type super glue containing cyanoacrylate. It’s completely aquarium-safe once cured. Simply pat the rock or driftwood dry, apply a few small dabs of glue to the spot, press the rhizome (not the roots) onto the glue for 30 seconds, and you’re done! The roots will eventually wrap around the object and secure it permanently.
  • The Tying Method: Use a dark-colored cotton thread or fishing line. Gently tie the rhizome to your hardscape. Don’t tie it too tightly, as this can damage it. Over time, the cotton thread will dissolve, and the plant’s own roots will have taken hold. Fishing line will need to be cut away later if you want it removed.

Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Grow Anubias Nana Fast

Okay, your plant is attached correctly and the rhizome is happy. Now, let’s kick its growth into a higher gear. This isn’t about blasting it with extreme conditions, but about providing stable, optimal ones. This is the ultimate how to grow anubias nana fast care guide.

  1. Step 1: Dial in Your Lighting (The “Goldilocks” Zone)

    While Anubias is famous for surviving in low light, surviving isn’t thriving. To encourage faster growth, you need to move from “low” to “low-to-moderate” light. Think of it as the bright, dappled light of a forest floor, not a dark cave.

    Aim for a PAR value of around 30-50 µmol at the plant’s level. If you don’t have a PAR meter (most of us don’t!), a good rule of thumb is to use a quality LED light and run it for 6-8 hours per day. Too much light will just invite stubborn algae to grow on its slow-moving leaves.

  2. Step 2: Provide Consistent CO2

    Carbon is the single most important nutrient for all plants. For aquarists wondering how to how to grow anubias nana fast, CO2 is the accelerator pedal. While not strictly necessary for survival, adding a source of carbon will dramatically increase its growth rate.

    High-Tech Option: A pressurized CO2 injection system is the most effective method. Keeping CO2 levels around 20-30 ppm will make a massive difference.

    Low-Tech Option: If a pressurized system isn’t for you, consider a liquid carbon supplement like Seachem Flourish Excel. Dosing this daily provides a bioavailable source of carbon that Anubias can readily use.

  3. Step 3: Master Your Fertilization Routine

    Anubias are primarily water column feeders, meaning they absorb nutrients through their leaves and roots directly from the water. This makes a comprehensive liquid fertilizer essential.

    Look for an all-in-one fertilizer that contains both macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK) and micronutrients (Iron, Manganese, etc.). Potassium is especially important for Anubias, as a deficiency often shows up as tiny pinholes in the leaves. Dosing a good fertilizer once or twice a week after your water change is a fantastic habit to get into.

  4. Step 4: Optimize Water Flow

    Don’t overlook water circulation! Gentle, consistent flow is crucial. It delivers fresh, CO2-rich, and nutrient-rich water directly to the plant’s leaves. It also prevents detritus and debris from settling on the leaves, which can block light and encourage algae growth.

    You don’t need a powerhead aimed directly at it. Just ensure there are no “dead spots” in your tank and that you can see the leaves swaying ever so slightly in the current.

  5. Step 5: Maintain Stable Water Parameters

    Anubias are tough, but they don’t like sudden changes. Stability is more important than chasing a “perfect” number. Keep your parameters consistent, and your plant will reward you.

    • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
    • pH: 6.0-7.5
    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is fine.

    Regular weekly water changes of about 25-30% are one of the how to grow anubias nana fast best practices to maintain stability and replenish trace elements.

  6. Step 6: Pruning for Propagation and Health

    Don’t be afraid to trim your Anubias! Removing old, damaged, or algae-covered leaves allows the plant to redirect energy toward new, healthy growth. Use sharp aquascaping scissors and cut the leaf stem as close to the rhizome as possible.

    Once your rhizome is long enough (at least 3-4 inches), you can propagate it. Using a sharp blade, cut the rhizome into two or more pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. Attach these new pieces, and you’ve just doubled your plants for free! This is the heart of sustainable how to grow anubias nana fast practices.

  7. Step 7: Choose the Right Janitorial Crew

    Let your tank inhabitants help you out! A good cleanup crew will keep the broad leaves of your Anubias free from algae and debris, ensuring they can absorb maximum light and nutrients.

    Excellent choices include Amano shrimp, Nerite snails (who won’t eat your plants), and Otocinclus catfish. They are the perfect partners in your quest for a thriving Anubias.

Common Problems with How to Grow Anubias Nana Fast (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with how to grow anubias nana fast and their simple solutions.

The Dreaded Rhizome Rot

Symptoms: The rhizome feels soft, mushy, and turns brown or black. Leaves are falling off.

Cause & Fix: You guessed it—the rhizome was buried or damaged. If you catch it early, you can sometimes save the plant. Cut away all the soft, rotting parts of the rhizome with a clean blade. If there’s a healthy, firm section with leaves left, you can re-attach it and hope for the best.

Battling Stubborn Algae

Symptoms: Hard green spots (Green Spot Algae) or dark, fuzzy tufts (Black Beard Algae) on the leaves.

Cause & Fix: This is almost always a sign of an imbalance in your tank, usually too much light, not enough CO2, or inconsistent nutrient levels. First, reduce your lighting period by an hour. Second, ensure your CO2 and fertilizer dosing are consistent. Manually remove what you can and let your cleanup crew handle the rest.

Yellowing Leaves (Nutrient Deficiencies)

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow, developing holes, or looking pale.

Cause & Fix: This is a clear sign your plant is hungry. Yellowing of new leaves often points to an iron deficiency, while tiny pinholes in older leaves signal a lack of potassium. The solution is simple: start dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Anubias Nana

How fast does Anubias nana grow normally?

Under typical low-light, no-CO2 conditions, you can expect a new leaf every month or two. By following this how to grow anubias nana fast guide, you can realistically aim for a new leaf every 1-3 weeks, along with more robust root development.

Can Anubias nana grow while floating?

No, it’s not a floating plant. While it might survive for a short time adrift, it will not thrive. It needs to be anchored to a surface where its roots can attach and absorb some nutrients.

Why are my new Anubias leaves so small?

This is common when a plant is first introduced to a new aquarium as it adjusts to different water and lighting conditions. If it persists, it’s likely a sign of a nutrient or light deficiency. Ensure it’s getting moderate light and a steady supply of fertilizer.

Your Journey to a Thriving Anubias Starts Now

There you have it—the complete playbook for transforming your Anubias nana from a simple survivor into a thriving, growing specimen. It’s not about magic or luck; it’s about providing the right conditions consistently.

Remember the keys to success: never bury the rhizome, provide moderate light, and be consistent with your CO2 and fertilizers. It might seem like a lot at first, but these steps quickly become a simple, rewarding part of your weekly routine.

So go ahead, give your Anubias the attention it deserves. You now have all the tools and knowledge you need. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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