How To Plant Anubias In Aquarium – The Ultimate Guide To Thriving
Ever gazed at a beautifully aquascaped tank, admiring those lush, deep-green leaves anchored gracefully to driftwood or rocks, and wished you could achieve that look? If you’re wondering how to plant Anubias in aquarium environments without making common mistakes, you’re in the right place!
Anubias species are among the most popular and forgiving aquatic plants, perfect for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. They add incredible natural beauty and provide essential hiding spots for your fish and shrimp. However, there’s a specific, crucial trick to planting them successfully that many newcomers miss.
We’ve all been there – excitedly bringing home a new plant, only for it to slowly melt away. But don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the perfect Anubias to mastering the art of attachment and long-term care. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to create a stunning, low-maintenance aquatic display.
Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to a vibrant Anubias jungle!
Why Anubias is a Must-Have Aquatic Plant for Your Tank
Anubias is a true superstar in the aquarium world, and for good reason. It offers a fantastic combination of beauty, resilience, and ease of care, making it an ideal choice for almost any freshwater setup.
What makes Anubias so special? For starters, its adaptability is unmatched. It tolerates a wide range of water parameters and lighting conditions, thriving where many other plants might struggle. This makes it a perfect pick for those just starting their planted tank journey.
The Many Benefits of Adding Anubias to Your Aquarium
Beyond its striking appearance, Anubias brings a host of practical advantages to your aquatic ecosystem.
Low Maintenance: Anubias doesn’t demand high light, CO2 injection, or special fertilizers. It’s truly a “plant it and forget it” kind of aquatic greenery, perfect for busy hobbyists.
Hardy and Resilient: These plants are incredibly tough. They can withstand fluctuating water conditions better than many delicate species, making them forgiving for beginners.
Algae Resistant: While not entirely immune, their slow growth rate and tough leaves often deter aggressive algae growth, especially when kept in appropriate lighting.
Natural Filtration: Like all live plants, Anubias helps absorb nitrates and other waste products, contributing to healthier water quality for your fish and shrimp.
Safe Haven for Tank Inhabitants: The broad leaves and intricate root structures provide excellent hiding spots and foraging grounds for shy fish, fry, and invertebrates like shrimp.
Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep green hues and varied leaf shapes (depending on the species), Anubias adds a sophisticated, naturalistic touch to any aquascape.
Popular Anubias Species to Consider
There are several wonderful varieties of Anubias, each with its own charm. They all share the same planting requirements, so choose based on size and leaf shape!
Anubias barteri var. nana: This is probably the most popular type, known for its small, compact size and dark green leaves. It’s perfect for foreground or midground placement and smaller tanks.
Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia: Featuring unique, textured leaves with a slightly puckered appearance and a reddish-brown underside when new, it offers a distinct look.
Anubias hastifolia: A larger variety with arrow-shaped leaves, ideal for larger tanks or as a background plant.
Anubias afzelii: Another larger species, similar to hastifolia, with long, oval leaves that can grow quite tall, making it excellent for the background.
Anubias ‘Petite’ or ‘Nana Petite’: A miniature version of Anubias nana, perfect for nano tanks or intricate detailing on hardscape.
Essential Tools & Materials for Planting Anubias
Before we dive into the actual planting process, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Having your tools ready makes the job much smoother and less stressful for both you and your plants.
You won’t need anything overly specialized, which is another reason Anubias is so beginner-friendly!
What You’ll Need
Your Anubias Plant: Of course! Inspect it carefully for any damaged leaves or signs of disease before introducing it to your tank.
Hardscape (Driftwood or Rocks): This is crucial. Anubias is an epiphyte, meaning it attaches to surfaces rather than rooting into the substrate. Choose a piece of aquarium-safe driftwood or a smooth rock that fits your aquascape vision.
Aquarium-Safe Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate Gel): This is often the easiest and fastest method for attaching Anubias. Opt for the gel formula, as it’s less messy and cures quickly underwater.
Fishing Line or Cotton Thread: An alternative to super glue, especially if you prefer a non-adhesive method or are attaching a larger specimen. Cotton thread will eventually rot away, leaving the plant naturally attached.
Sharp Scissors or a Razor Blade: For trimming any damaged roots or leaves, or for carefully dividing the rhizome if you wish to propagate your plant.
A Small Bowl of Tank Water: Useful for rinsing the plant and keeping it moist during the planting process, preventing it from drying out.
That’s it! You likely have most of these items already, making this a very accessible project.
How to Plant Anubias in Aquarium: The Step-by-Step Method
Now for the main event! The most critical rule when you how to plant Anubias in aquarium is this: never bury the rhizome. The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. Burying it will cause the plant to rot and die. Instead, Anubias needs to be attached to hardscape.
Let’s break down the process into easy, actionable steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Anubias Plant
Unpack and Inspect: Gently remove your Anubias from its packaging (pot, lead weight, rock wool, etc.). Many Anubias plants come in small pots with rock wool around their roots. Carefully remove all rock wool, as it can harbor pests or release unwanted chemicals.
Trim Damaged Parts: Use your sharp scissors to trim off any yellowing, mushy, or damaged leaves and roots. This helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the plant under cool, dechlorinated water or in a bowl of tank water. This washes away any residual debris or potential hitchhikers.
Identify the Rhizome: Locate the thick, horizontal stem. This is the rhizome. Notice the roots growing downwards and the leaf stems growing upwards from it. This part absolutely must stay exposed to the water column.
Step 2: Choose Your Attachment Method
You have two primary, reliable methods for securing your Anubias. Both are effective, so choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Method A: Using Aquarium-Safe Super Glue
This is my preferred method for its speed and security. Make sure you’re using cyanoacrylate-based super glue, which is safe for aquariums once cured.
Select Placement: Decide exactly where on your driftwood or rock you want to attach the Anubias. Consider how it will look in your tank, ensuring the rhizome won’t be covered by substrate.
Apply Glue: Apply a small dab of super glue gel directly onto the chosen spot on your hardscape. Alternatively, you can apply a tiny amount to a few roots or the underside of the rhizome (away from the growth points).
Attach Plant: Press the Anubias gently but firmly onto the glued spot. Hold it in place for 15-30 seconds. The glue will cure very quickly, even when damp.
Submerge: Once secure, you can immediately place your hardscape with the attached Anubias into your aquarium. The glue is inert once cured.
Pro Tip: Work quickly! Super glue cures fast. If you’re attaching multiple plants or a large specimen, you might do this outside the tank, or with minimal water in the tank to keep the hardscape damp but not fully submerged.
Method B: Using Fishing Line or Cotton Thread
This method allows for a more natural attachment over time, as the roots will eventually grip the hardscape on their own.
Position Plant: Place the Anubias plant onto your chosen hardscape, ensuring the rhizome is making good contact with the surface.
Tie Securely: Take a piece of fishing line or cotton thread and carefully wrap it around the rhizome and the hardscape. Tie a secure knot, making sure the plant is held firmly in place but not so tight that it damages the rhizome.
Avoid Burying: Double-check that no part of the rhizome is covered by the line or thread in a way that would prevent water flow or cause constriction.
Trim Excess: Snip off any excess line or thread. If using cotton thread, it will naturally degrade over a few weeks or months, by which time the Anubias roots should have firmly attached to the hardscape.
Step 3: Placement in Your Aquarium
Once your Anubias is securely attached to its hardscape, it’s ready for its new home.
Gently place the entire assembly into your aquarium. Position it where it receives moderate to low light. Anubias does not appreciate intense lighting, which can lead to unsightly algae growth on its leaves.
Creative Placement Ideas for Your Anubias
The versatility of Anubias means you can get really creative with its placement. Since it doesn’t need to be rooted in substrate, your imagination is the only limit!
On Driftwood: A Natural Jungle Look
Driftwood is perhaps the most common and aesthetically pleasing choice for Anubias. The plant’s dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the natural textures and colors of wood.
Branches and Twigs: Attach smaller Anubias varieties like nana petite to thinner branches to create a delicate, bushy effect, mimicking riparian growth.
Large Logs: Secure larger Anubias species to substantial pieces of driftwood to form a dense canopy or a central focal point. You can even attach several plants along a single log for a “planted log” effect.
“Tree” Effect: If you have a piece of driftwood shaped like a tree trunk, attach Anubias to the “branches” to create a stunning underwater tree.
On Rocks: Elegant and Stable
Rocks offer a different aesthetic, often providing a more structured or minimalist look. Smooth, non-porous rocks are generally best for attachment.
Scattered Boulders: Attach Anubias to individual rocks and scatter them throughout your substrate for a natural, undisturbed feel.
Rock Caves/Arches: Secure Anubias around the entrances or tops of rock caves to provide shelter and a more natural appearance for cave-dwelling fish.
Terraced Hardscape: If you’re building a tiered hardscape with rocks, Anubias can soften the edges and add greenery to the various levels.
Other Innovative Placements
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
Filter Intakes/Outtakes: Small Anubias can be attached to filter equipment to help camouflage it, though ensure it doesn’t impede flow.
Suction Cups: Some hobbyists attach Anubias to small, aquarium-safe suction cups (using glue or thread) and then stick them to the tank glass, creating unique vertical gardens.
Decorations: Almost any aquarium-safe decoration can serve as an anchor point. Just remember the rhizome rule!
The key is to visualize how the plant will grow and how it will contribute to the overall balance and aesthetic of your aquascape.
Ongoing Care for a Flourishing Anubias
Once you’ve mastered how to plant Anubias in aquarium properly, the ongoing care is surprisingly simple. Anubias is truly a low-maintenance plant, making it a joy to keep.
Lighting Requirements
Anubias thrives in low to moderate light. Too much intense light is actually detrimental and can lead to problems.
Avoid Direct, Intense Light: High light levels encourage algae growth on the broad, slow-growing leaves of Anubias. If you see green spot algae, it’s a strong indicator that your light is too intense or on for too long.
Optimal Photoperiod: Aim for 6-8 hours of light per day. This is usually sufficient for healthy growth without promoting excessive algae.
Shade if Necessary: If you have high-light demanding plants in your tank, consider placing your Anubias in shaded areas, perhaps under taller plants or beneath a piece of driftwood, to protect it from direct intensity.
Fertilization
Anubias is not a heavy feeder. It absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column through its leaves and rhizome.
Liquid Fertilizers: A general all-in-one liquid fertilizer, dosed according to package instructions (or even half dose for low-tech tanks), will usually provide all the nutrients Anubias needs.
No Root Tabs: Since its roots are primarily for anchoring and it feeds from the water column, root tabs placed in the substrate are generally unnecessary and won’t benefit Anubias directly.
CO2 Not Required: While Anubias will appreciate CO2 injection in a high-tech setup, it absolutely does not require it to thrive. It’s perfectly happy without supplemental CO2.
Water Parameters
Anubias is incredibly adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, making it suitable for most community tanks.
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C) is ideal, though it can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures for short periods.
pH: A wide range from 6.0-8.0 is generally fine.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is acceptable.
Pruning and Propagation
Anubias grows slowly, so pruning is infrequent. When you do prune, it’s usually to remove old, damaged, or algae-covered leaves.
Leaf Removal: Use sharp scissors to trim off individual leaves at their base, near the rhizome. Don’t pull them, as this can damage the rhizome.
Propagation by Division: To propagate Anubias, you can carefully cut the rhizome with a sharp, clean razor blade or scissors. Ensure each new section has at least 3-4 leaves and some roots. You can then re-attach these new plantlets to hardscape.
Troubleshooting Common Anubias Problems
Even though Anubias is hardy, you might occasionally encounter some issues. Knowing what to look for can help you address problems quickly and keep your plants healthy.
Yellowing or Melting Leaves
If your Anubias leaves are turning yellow or melting, it’s often a sign of nutrient deficiency or stress.
Cause: Lack of essential nutrients (especially iron or potassium), or a sudden change in tank parameters.
Solution: Ensure you’re providing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. Perform regular water changes to replenish trace elements. Check your water parameters for stability.
Holes in Leaves
Holes can indicate a specific nutrient deficiency or physical damage.
Cause: Often a sign of potassium deficiency. It can also be caused by certain fish nibbling (though Anubias is generally unpalatable) or snails.
Solution: Supplement with a liquid fertilizer containing potassium. Observe your tank inhabitants to rule out physical damage. Trim severely damaged leaves.
Algae on Leaves
Algae is the most common complaint with Anubias, largely due to its slow growth and broad leaves providing a perfect surface.
Cause: Too much light (intensity or duration), excess nutrients in the water column, or insufficient CO2 (even if not injected, balance is key).
Solution: Reduce lighting intensity or duration. Consider shading your Anubias. Introduce algae-eating tank mates like Otocinclus catfish or Amano shrimp. Gently wipe algae off leaves during water changes. Ensure good water flow around the plant.
Rhizome Rot
This is the most critical issue and usually fatal if not caught early.
Cause: The rhizome is buried in the substrate, preventing oxygen flow and leading to decomposition.
Solution: Immediately remove the plant and inspect the rhizome. If only a small portion is affected, you might be able to trim away the rotten part with a sterile blade and re-attach the healthy portion. If the rot is extensive, the plant may not recover. Remember the golden rule: never bury the rhizome when you how to plant Anubias in aquarium!
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias
Let’s address some common questions hobbyists have about Anubias.
Can Anubias grow completely submerged?
Yes, absolutely! Anubias is a fully aquatic plant and thrives when completely submerged in your aquarium. In fact, most Anubias sold for aquariums are grown submersed or emersed (with leaves out of water) and adapt easily to fully submersed conditions.
Do Anubias need substrate?
No, Anubias does not need to be planted in substrate. In fact, its rhizome should never be buried in the substrate, as this will cause it to rot. Anubias is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally attaches its roots to hard surfaces like driftwood or rocks, drawing nutrients from the water column.
How long does it take for Anubias to attach to driftwood?
If you use super glue, attachment is instant. If you use fishing line or cotton thread, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for the Anubias roots to firmly grip the driftwood. The thread will eventually degrade, leaving the plant naturally attached.
Can I keep Anubias in a low-tech tank?
Absolutely! Anubias is one of the best plants for low-tech (no CO2 injection, moderate light) setups. Its slow growth rate and minimal nutrient demands make it perfect for beginners and those who prefer a less demanding planted tank.
Why is my Anubias getting algae?
Algae on Anubias leaves is almost always a sign of too much light (either too intense or on for too long) or an imbalance of nutrients in the water. Try reducing your lighting duration or intensity, ensure good water flow, and consider adding some algae-eating snails or shrimp.
Conclusion: Cultivate a Lush, Healthy Aquarium with Anubias
Congratulations! You now possess the expert knowledge on how to plant Anubias in aquarium environments successfully. By understanding its unique growth habit and following these simple steps, you’ve set yourself up for a beautiful, thriving aquatic display.
Remember the golden rule: keep that rhizome exposed! Whether you choose the quick convenience of super glue or the patient natural attachment of thread, your Anubias will anchor itself and flourish, providing lush green foliage and a safe haven for your aquatic friends.
Anubias is more than just a plant; it’s a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, and an accessible entry point into the rewarding world of planted aquariums. Embrace its ease of care, experiment with creative placements, and enjoy the serene beauty it brings to your tank. Happy planting, and here’s to a vibrant, healthy aquascape!
