How To Plant Anubias In Substrate: The Rhizome-Safe Guide For Lush

So, you’ve brought home a gorgeous, leafy Anubias plant, ready to add a splash of vibrant green to your aquarium. Your first instinct is probably to dig a little hole in the gravel and bury it up to its stem, just like a terrestrial plant, right?

Hold on just a moment! While that seems logical, it’s one of the most common—and fatal—mistakes aquarists make with this beautiful species. We’ve all been there, watching a perfectly healthy plant slowly yellow and melt away, wondering what went wrong.

Don’t worry, the solution is incredibly simple. In this definitive guide, I’m going to walk you through the expert method for how to plant anubias in substrate the correct way. We’ll unlock the secret to keeping this plant not just alive, but thriving, lush, and beautiful for years to come.

You’ll learn everything from understanding its unique anatomy and a step-by-step planting process to troubleshooting common problems. Let’s get that Anubias planted with confidence!

Why Planting Anubias is Different: The All-Important Rhizome

Before we get our hands wet, we need to understand what makes Anubias so special. Unlike plants like Amazon Swords or Vallisneria that root deep into the substrate, Anubias is an epiphyte.

Think of it like an orchid or certain ferns in a rainforest. In nature, it grows attached to rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces, not buried in the mud. Its nutrients are primarily absorbed from the water column through its roots and leaves.

Meet the Rhizome: The Heart of Your Anubias

The key to success is identifying the rhizome. This is the thick, horizontal, stem-like part of the plant from which both the leaves (upwards) and the wiry roots (downwards) grow. It’s the plant’s lifeline and energy storage unit.

Here’s the golden rule: The rhizome must never be fully buried under the substrate.

Burying the rhizome cuts off its access to light and oxygenated water, causing it to suffocate, rot, and ultimately kill the entire plant. This is the most critical takeaway in any how to plant anubias in substrate guide.

Getting Started: Tools and Plant Preparation

Ready to plant? Having the right tools makes the job clean and simple. You won’t need much, but this small kit will set you up for success.

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Your Anubias plant (e.g., Anubias barteri, Anubias nana)
Aquarium-safe super glue gel (any brand based on cyanoacrylate) OR cotton thread/fishing line.
A small, flat piece of rock, a small piece of driftwood, or a plant weight. This will be your anchor.
Aquascaping tweezers (optional, but very helpful).

Prepping Your New Plant

Before it goes into your tank, a little prep work ensures a healthy transition. This is one of the most important how to plant anubias in substrate tips for long-term health.

Unpot the Plant: Gently remove the Anubias from its plastic pot.
Remove the Rock Wool: Carefully pick away the fibrous rock wool surrounding the roots. Be gentle, but try to get as much off as you can, as it can trap debris in your tank.
Inspect and Rinse: Give the plant a gentle rinse in some declorinated water. Inspect the rhizome for any soft, mushy, or black spots. If you find any, you can trim them off with clean, sharp scissors. Healthy rhizomes are firm and green or brownish-green.
Consider a Quarantine Dip: For an eco-friendly and safe approach, consider a quick dip in a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide or a bleach solution (be sure to follow trusted instructions for this) to eliminate potential pests or algae spores. This is a cornerstone of eco-friendly how to plant anubias in substrate practices.

The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plant Anubias in Substrate (The Right Way)

Now for the main event! Forget digging and burying. We’re going to use an anchoring technique that keeps the rhizome safe and allows the plant to establish itself naturally. This is the core of our how to how to plant anubias in substrate lesson.

Method 1: The Super Glue Anchor (Recommended)

This is the cleanest, fastest, and most secure method used by professional aquascapers.

Dry Your Anchor and Rhizome: Take your small rock or piece of driftwood and pat it dry with a paper towel. Gently pat a small spot on the underside of the Anubias rhizome dry as well. Cyanoacrylate glue cures in the presence of water, but it bonds best on a dry surface.
Apply a Dab of Glue: Place a small dab of super glue gel onto the anchor rock. Don’t go overboard—a little goes a long way!
Press and Hold: Firmly press the dry part of the rhizome onto the glue and hold it for 30-60 seconds until a solid bond forms.
Place in the Aquarium: You can now place your anchored Anubias anywhere you like in the tank! Simply set it on top of your sand or gravel. The thin, wiry roots will eventually grow down and work their way into the substrate on their own, anchoring it further.

Method 2: The Tying Method

If you prefer not to use glue, thread is a classic and effective alternative.

Position the Plant: Place the Anubias rhizome onto your anchor rock or wood in the desired position.
Wrap Securely: Take your cotton thread or fishing line and wrap it around the rhizome and the anchor several times until the plant feels secure. Don’t wrap it so tightly that you crush the rhizome.
Tie it Off: Tie a secure knot and trim any excess line. Cotton thread will dissolve and disappear over a few months, by which time the plant’s roots will have naturally attached. Fishing line will need to be removed manually later if you wish.
Place in the Aquarium: Set your newly tied Anubias on the substrate and let its roots find their way down.

Method 3: The Root-Tuck Method (For Fine Substrate)

If you don’t want to use an anchor, you can use the plant’s own roots. This works best with fine sand or very light gravel.

Simply place the plant on the substrate and gently tuck just the very tips of the hanging roots into the substrate. The goal is to use the roots to hold the plant down while the rhizome sits completely exposed on top of the substrate. This requires a delicate touch but is a very natural look.

Common Problems with How to Plant Anubias in Substrate (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with how to plant anubias in substrate and their easy fixes.

Problem: My Anubias Rhizome is Turning Mushy and Black!

Cause: This is classic rhizome rot, almost always caused by being buried in the substrate.
Solution: Act fast! Immediately lift the plant out of the substrate. With a clean pair of scissors, carefully trim away any black, mushy parts of the rhizome. Re-attach the healthy part of the plant to a rock or piece of wood using the methods above and place it back in the tank.

Problem: My Plant Keeps Floating Away!

Cause: The anchor isn’t heavy enough, or the thread has come loose.
Solution: Re-secure it. Either use a heavier anchor rock or re-tie it more securely. Super glue gel provides the most reliable hold against currents and curious fish.

Problem: My Anubias Leaves are Covered in Green Spot Algae.

Cause: Anubias are slow-growing, which makes them prime real estate for algae, especially in tanks with high lighting.
Solution: This is more of a tank balance issue than a planting problem. Try reducing your lighting period to 6-8 hours per day. You can also gently wipe the algae off the tough leaves with your finger or a soft toothbrush during water changes. Introducing algae-eaters like Nerite snails or Amano shrimp can also help immensely.

Anubias Care Guide After Planting: Best Practices for Thriving Plants

You’ve mastered the planting! Now, let’s quickly cover the simple care that will keep your Anubias happy. This is your quick how to plant anubias in substrate care guide.

Lighting: Anubias are famously low-light plants. They thrive in shaded areas of the aquarium, making them perfect for placing under larger plants or driftwood overhangs. Too much direct light will encourage algae growth on their leaves.
Fertilizers: They are not heavy feeders. They will pull most of what they need from fish waste and leftover food in the water column. However, they will appreciate a weekly dose of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer like Seachem Flourish or Aquarium Co-op Easy Green.
Water Parameters: These plants are tough as nails! They tolerate a wide range of temperatures (72-82°F or 22-28°C) and pH levels (6.0-7.5). Stable conditions are always best.
Propagation: Want more Anubias? It’s easy! Once your rhizome is long enough (at least 3 inches), you can cut it with a sharp, clean blade. Just make sure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. Then, simply attach the new piece to its own anchor. This is the heart of sustainable how to plant anubias in substrate practices—grow your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Anubias

Can I bury Anubias roots in the substrate?

Yes, absolutely! The thin, wiry roots can and should be encouraged to grow down into the substrate. They will help anchor the plant and may absorb some nutrients. Just remember the golden rule: only the roots go in, never the thick rhizome.

What happens if you bury the rhizome of an Anubias?

If the rhizome is buried, it will be starved of oxygen and light. It will begin to decay, turning soft, mushy, and black. This rot will eventually spread and kill the entire plant, often within a few weeks.

Does Anubias need a special aquarium soil or substrate?

Nope! This is one of the major benefits of how to plant anubias in substrate properly. Because it’s an epiphyte that feeds from the water, it doesn’t care what substrate you have. Sand, gravel, aqua soil, or even a bare-bottom tank are all perfectly fine for Anubias.

How long does it take for Anubias roots to attach to wood or rock?

Patience is key. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the roots to firmly grip a new surface. The plant will grow new, white-tipped roots that are adapted for gripping. As long as the plant looks healthy, just give it time.

Your Journey to a Lush Anubias Forest Begins Now

There you have it—the complete guide to planting Anubias with the confidence of a pro. It all comes down to one simple, unforgettable rule: keep that rhizome out of the substrate!

By attaching your Anubias to a small anchor and letting it sit on top of your gravel or sand, you are giving it the perfect environment to flourish. You’ve avoided the #1 mistake and set your plant up for a long, healthy life, adding timeless beauty to your underwater world.

Now go forth and grow. Happy aquascaping!

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Howard Parker

Founder and Author at Aquifarm

Howard Parker is a fishkeeping expert with over 20 years of experience. He is the founder and author of the Aquifarm located in Houston, TX 48. He has an academic degree in Agriculture Science. In addition to his professional pursuits, He is also an avid hobbyist of aqua pets, plants, and fish. Howard is dedicated to providing comprehensive information and resources for both novices and experienced fishkeepers, with a focus on professionalism and accuracy.