How To Plant Anubias In Jar – Your Guide To A Thriving Mini Ecosystem
Have you ever looked at your desk or a quiet corner of your home and thought it needed a touch of living art? Something green, vibrant, and incredibly low-maintenance? Many of us have, but the idea of a full-blown aquarium can feel daunting.
That’s where the magic of a jarrarium comes in. Imagine a beautiful, self-contained underwater world that requires minimal effort but provides maximum tranquility. It might seem like a complex project, but I promise you, it’s one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to get into the planted tank hobby.
This is where our star player, the Anubias, shines. This nearly indestructible plant is the perfect candidate for a stunning jar setup. If you’ve been wondering how to plant anubias in jar, you’ve come to the right place.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from picking the perfect plant to long-term care—so you can confidently create a breathtaking mini ecosystem that will be the envy of your friends and a source of daily calm.
Why Anubias is the Perfect Plant for Your Jar Aquascape
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Not all aquatic plants are created equal, especially when it comes to the unique environment of a small jar. Anubias isn’t just a good choice; it’s arguably the best choice, and here’s why.
First and foremost, Anubias is famously hardy. Think of it as the cast iron pan of the aquatic plant world. It’s tough, forgiving, and can thrive in conditions where other, more delicate plants would quickly wither. This makes it perfect for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
The benefits of how to plant anubias in jar extend to its incredibly low demands. Here’s a quick rundown of its superstar qualities:
- Low Light Tolerance: Anubias doesn’t need a powerful, specialized aquarium light. It’s perfectly happy with ambient room light or a simple desk lamp, making your setup simple and energy-efficient.
- No Substrate Required: This is the most critical point! Anubias is an epiphyte, meaning it grows attached to surfaces like rocks and wood, not buried in soil. This is ideal for a jar where deep substrate isn’t practical.
- Slow Growth: In a small container, fast-growing plants can quickly become a tangled mess requiring constant trimming. Anubias grows slowly and deliberately, meaning your beautiful aquascape will maintain its shape for months or even years with minimal pruning.
- Variety: There’s an Anubias for every jar size! For smaller jars, Anubias nana ‘Petite’ is a fantastic choice with its tiny, compact leaves. For slightly larger setups, Anubias barteri var. nana is a classic that never disappoints.
Gathering Your Supplies: The Essential Checklist
Alright, are you ready to build your mini masterpiece? The great news is that you don’t need a lot of fancy or expensive equipment. A successful jarrarium is all about simplicity. This section serves as your essential how to plant anubias in jar guide for materials.
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- The Jar: Any clear glass container will do! A one-gallon pickle jar, a stylish vase, or a classic cookie jar can all work wonderfully. Just make sure the opening is wide enough for your hand to fit through for easy setup.
- The Anubias Plant: Choose a healthy-looking plant. Look for deep green, firm leaves without holes or yellowing spots. The rhizome—the thick, horizontal stem from which leaves and roots grow—should be firm and green, not brown or mushy.
- Hardscape (Anchors): This is what your Anubias will call home. You can use aquarium-safe rocks like dragon stone or lava rock, or a small piece of driftwood. The texture of lava rock and driftwood makes them particularly easy for Anubias roots to grip.
- Substrate (Optional Decor): While your Anubias won’t be planted in it, a thin layer of sand or fine gravel on the bottom can add a nice aesthetic touch. Just keep it to a half-inch layer or less.
- Water: Simple dechlorinated tap water is perfect. You can use a water conditioner like Seachem Prime to remove chlorine and chloramine instantly. Letting tap water sit out for 24 hours also works.
- Tools for Attaching: You’ll need a way to secure your plant. Your best options are cyanoacrylate super glue (make sure it’s the gel type and 100% cyanoacrylate) or some dark cotton thread/fishing line.
- Long Tweezers (Optional but helpful): A pair of aquascaping tweezers can make placing your plant and hardscape much easier, especially in a tall jar.
The Complete Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plant Anubias in Jar
This is where the fun begins! We’re going to assemble your jarrarium. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. Following these how to plant anubias in jar best practices will ensure your plant gets the best possible start.
Step 1: Preparing Your Jar and Materials
Cleanliness is key to preventing algae issues down the line. Wash your jar thoroughly with hot water. Avoid using soap, as any residue can be harmful. Do the same for your rocks, driftwood, and any substrate you plan to use. A good scrub with a clean brush will remove any dust or debris.
Step 2: Preparing Your Anubias Plant
Gently remove your Anubias from its pot and rock wool. Carefully pick away the wool from the roots. Give the plant a gentle rinse under lukewarm tap water to remove any remaining debris. This is also a good time to inspect the plant and trim off any yellowed leaves or damaged roots with a pair of sharp scissors.
Step 3: The Crucial Step – Attaching Your Anubias
Listen closely, because this is the single most important rule of keeping Anubias: NEVER bury the rhizome! The rhizome is the plant’s life source. If you bury it under sand or gravel, it will rot, and the plant will slowly die. Instead, we attach it to our hardscape.
You have a few excellent options:
- The Super Glue Method: This is my personal favorite for its speed and reliability. Dab a few small dots of cyanoacrylate gel glue onto your clean, dry rock or wood. Gently press the rhizome onto the glue spots and hold for about 30-60 seconds until it sets. Don’t worry—this type of glue is completely aquarium-safe once cured!
- The Tying Method: If you’re not comfortable with glue, simply use cotton thread or fishing line to loosely tie the rhizome to your hardscape. Don’t tie it too tightly, as you don’t want to crush the rhizome. Over a few months, the plant’s roots will naturally grip the surface, and you can eventually cut the thread away.
- The Wedging Method: Sometimes, the simplest way is the best. You can often just gently wedge the rhizome or its roots into a natural crevice in your rock or driftwood. This creates a very natural look.
Step 4: Arranging Your Hardscape and Plant
Now, place your substrate (if using) at the bottom of the jar. Then, carefully position your rock or driftwood with the attached Anubias inside. Use your tweezers or hand to get it just right. Think about creating a visually appealing focal point. This is your little world, so arrange it in a way that brings you joy!
Step 5: Adding Water Gently
The final step is to add your dechlorinated water. To avoid messing up your beautiful arrangement, pour the water very slowly. A great pro tip is to pour it onto a spoon held just above the substrate or let it trickle down the side of the jar. Fill the jar, leaving an inch or two of air at the top.
Long-Term Success: Your Anubias Jar Care Guide
Congratulations, you’ve created a jarrarium! Now, let’s talk about how to keep it looking fantastic. This simple how to plant anubias in jar care guide will ensure your mini ecosystem thrives for years.
Lighting
Less is more with Anubias. Place your jar in a spot that receives indirect natural light, like near a window but not in the direct sun. Direct sunlight is a recipe for an algae explosion. If you don’t have a suitable spot, a small LED desk lamp on for 6-8 hours a day is more than enough.
Water Changes
In a small, unfiltered system, water changes are vital to remove waste and replenish trace elements. A weekly 50% water change is a great routine to get into. Simply use a small siphon or a turkey baster to remove about half the water, then slowly refill with fresh, dechlorinated water.
Fertilization
Anubias are very slow feeders and get most of what they need from the water column. In a jar, they often need very little, if any, supplemental fertilizer. If you notice growth has completely stalled or the leaves look pale after a few months, you can add a single drop of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer like Seachem Flourish after your weekly water change. Be extremely careful not to overdose!
Common Problems with How to Plant Anubias in Jar (and How to Fix Them!)
Even with a plant as tough as Anubias, you might run into a hiccup or two. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with how to plant anubias in jar and their simple solutions.
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Problem: The rhizome is turning brown and mushy.
Cause & Solution: This is classic rhizome rot, almost always caused by the rhizome being buried or suffocated. Your immediate action is to lift the plant, ensure the rhizome is completely exposed to the water, and trim away any mushy parts with a sharp blade. -
Problem: The leaves are getting covered in green spot algae.
Cause & Solution: This usually means there’s too much light. Try reducing the number of hours your lamp is on or moving the jar to a shadier spot. You can gently wipe the spots off the tough leaves with your finger or a soft cloth during a water change. -
Problem: The leaves are turning yellow.
Cause & Solution: This can be two things. If it’s an old, large leaf near the back of the rhizome, it’s likely just the plant naturally shedding it. If multiple new leaves are yellowing, it could be a nutrient deficiency. Try adding a single drop of all-in-one fertilizer after a water change.
The Eco-Friendly Choice: Sustainable Jarrariums
One of the best parts of this hobby is how sustainable it can be. Creating an Anubias jar is a wonderfully eco-friendly how to plant anubias in jar project. You’re creating a tiny, balanced ecosystem with a very low carbon footprint.
Think about it: you can use a recycled glass jar, you don’t need a power-hungry filter or heater, and the lighting requirements are minimal. It’s a slice of nature that doesn’t demand a heavy toll on our planet’s resources.
Furthermore, as your Anubias grows, you can easily propagate it. Simply cut the rhizome with a sharp knife, ensuring each piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. You can then use the new piece to start another jar or share it with a friend, promoting a sustainable how to plant anubias in jar culture within the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias in a Jar
Do I need a filter or heater for my Anubias jar?
For just an Anubias plant, you do not need a filter. The weekly water changes will handle waste removal. A heater is also generally not necessary unless your home is consistently very cold (below 68°F or 20°C). Anubias is quite happy at normal room temperatures.
Can I add shrimp or snails to my Anubias jar?
Absolutely! Once your jar has been set up for a few weeks and is stable, it can make a wonderful home for a few Neocaridina shrimp (like cherry shrimp) or a single Nerite snail. They are excellent cleaners and add another layer of life and interest to your mini world. Just be sure not to overstock; 1-3 shrimp or one snail is plenty for a one-gallon jar.
How do I know if my Anubias is healthy?
A healthy Anubias will have a firm, green rhizome and deep green, waxy-feeling leaves. New leaves will unfurl from the growing tip of the rhizome. Don’t worry if it doesn’t grow fast—slow and steady is the Anubias way!
Why are there tiny white roots growing from the rhizome?
Those are a great sign! Those are the plant’s anchor roots. They are actively seeking out surfaces to attach to. This means your plant is healthy and establishing itself in its new home. It’s a clear indicator that you’re doing things right.
Your Journey into Jarrariums Starts Now!
You now have all the knowledge and expert tips you need to succeed. The process of how to plant anubias in jar is more than just a project; it’s an act of creation. It’s about bringing a piece of living, breathing nature into your personal space.
Remember the key takeaways: choose a healthy plant, find some interesting hardscape, and above all else, never, ever bury that rhizome. Be patient, enjoy the process, and watch as your simple jar transforms into a captivating underwater garden.
So go ahead, find that perfect jar, pick out a beautiful Anubias, and start creating. You’ve got this!
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