How To Plant Anubias Seeds: Your Myth-Busting Propagation Guide
Have you ever scrolled through an online marketplace and seen tiny packets labeled “Anubias Seeds,” dreaming of growing a lush forest of these gorgeous, hardy plants from scratch? It sounds like the ultimate aquarist project—nurturing life from the very beginning.
I get the appeal completely. It feels like a rewarding, sustainable way to fill your tank. But before you click that “buy now” button, let’s have a friendly chat, aquarist to aquarist. There’s a big secret in the hobby about this very topic, and I want to save you the time, money, and frustration I’ve seen so many others experience.
In this guide, I promise to pull back the curtain and give you the real, expert-backed truth. We’re going to bust a major myth and then dive deep into the proven, successful method for multiplying your Anubias collection. This is your ultimate how to plant anubias seeds guide—or rather, how to achieve that same beautiful result the right way.
Let’s get growing!
The Big Secret: The Truth About “Anubias Seeds”
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room first. If you’re searching for how to plant anubias seeds, you’ve likely seen them for sale. The hard truth? Virtually all “Anubias seeds” sold online are not actually Anubias.
I know, it’s disappointing. Anubias are flowering plants (angiosperms), and in the wild, they do technically produce flowers and, on very rare occasions, seeds. However, this process is incredibly uncommon in a home aquarium, and harvesting viable seeds is not a commercial practice.
So, what are you actually buying? Most of the time, these seeds are for completely unrelated plants, often terrestrial weeds or, in some cases, fast-growing but delicate aquatic plants like ‘Hygrophila polysperma’. Sellers bank on beginners’ excitement, but the result is always disappointment when you don’t get the iconic, broad-leafed Anubias you were hoping for. This is why understanding the real method is key for a sustainable and rewarding experience.
The Real Way to Propagate Anubias: Rhizome Division
So, if seeds are out, how do we get more of these amazing plants? The answer lies in a much simpler, faster, and 100% guaranteed method: rhizome division.
Think of the Anubias rhizome—that thick, horizontal stem where the leaves and roots sprout from—as the plant’s powerhouse. By carefully dividing this rhizome, you can create multiple new, healthy plants from a single parent. It’s the standard practice used by hobbyists and professional growers alike.
This is one of the best how to plant anubias seeds tips you’ll ever get: forget the seeds and embrace the rhizome! It’s an incredibly eco-friendly how to plant anubias seeds alternative because you’re simply multiplying the plants you already have.
What You’ll Need (The Right Tools for the Job)
Getting started is easy, and you probably have most of these things already. Don’t worry—you don’t need a science lab!
- A Healthy Parent Anubias Plant: Look for one that is well-established, has at least 8-10 healthy leaves, and a long rhizome.
- Sharp Cutting Tool: A pair of sharp aquascaping scissors, a new razor blade, or a sharp knife will work perfectly. A clean cut is crucial!
- A Hard Surface: A piece of driftwood, lava rock, or any other aquarium-safe decoration for your new plant to attach to.
- Attachment Material: This can be either cyanoacrylate super glue gel (make sure it’s 100% cyanoacrylate) or some fishing line/cotton thread.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Your Anubias
Ready to make some new plants? Follow these simple steps. It’s less like surgery and more like a fun little arts and crafts project.
- Remove the Parent Plant: Gently take your Anubias plant out of the aquarium. This makes it much easier to see what you’re doing and make a precise cut.
- Identify Your Cutting Point: Examine the rhizome. You want to make a cut that leaves at least 3-4 healthy leaves on each new section. This ensures both the parent and the new cutting have enough energy to thrive.
- Make the Cut: With your sharp tool, make a single, clean cut through the rhizome. Avoid crushing or tearing it, as this can lead to rot. A swift, confident slice is best.
- Let It “Heal” (Pro Tip): This step is optional but recommended. You can leave the new cuttings out of the water on a damp paper towel for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cut surface to “scab over” slightly, which can help prevent infection.
Congratulations! You’ve just successfully propagated Anubias. See? Much easier than trying to germinate mystery seeds!
How to “Plant” Your New Anubias Cuttings: The Right Way!
Now that you have your new Anubias pieces, it’s time to place them in your tank. This is where one of the most critical rules of Anubias care comes into play. This is the core of our how to plant anubias seeds best practices.
The Golden Rule: Never Bury the Rhizome!
If you take only one thing away from this guide, let it be this: the rhizome must not be buried in the substrate.
The rhizome is the plant’s lifeline; it needs to be exposed to the water column to breathe and absorb nutrients. Burying it in sand or gravel will cause it to suffocate, rot, and ultimately kill the entire plant. The thin, wiry roots that grow down from the rhizome can go into the substrate, but the rhizome itself must stay above ground.
Instead, we attach Anubias to hardscape like rocks and driftwood. Here are the three best methods to do it.
Method 1: The Super Glue Gel Method
This is my personal favorite for its speed and clean look. It’s perfectly safe for fish and shrimp as long as you use the right glue.
- Pat the rhizome and the spot on your rock or wood dry with a paper towel.
- Apply a small dab of cyanoacrylate super glue gel to the hardscape.
- Press the rhizome firmly onto the glue and hold for about 30-60 seconds until it sets.
- You can place it back in the aquarium immediately! The glue cures instantly underwater.
Method 2: The Tying Method
The classic, old-school method that works just as well. It’s great if you don’t have glue on hand.
- Place your Anubias cutting on the desired spot on your hardscape.
- Take a piece of dark cotton thread or fishing line.
- Wrap it around the hardscape and rhizome several times to secure it firmly, but not so tight that you crush the rhizome.
- Tie a secure knot and snip off the excess. Over several months, the plant’s roots will grip the surface, and if you used cotton thread, it will simply dissolve away.
Method 3: The Wedge Method
This is a simple, tool-free technique that works wonderfully with porous rocks like lava rock or intricate pieces of driftwood.
Simply find a natural crevice or crack in your hardscape and gently wedge the rhizome into it. Ensure it’s snug enough not to float away but not so tight that it gets damaged. The roots will eventually grow and anchor the plant permanently.
Your Anubias Care Guide for Lush, Healthy Growth
Once your new Anubias are in place, they are incredibly easy to care for. They’re one of the hardiest plants in the hobby! This simple how to plant anubias seeds care guide will ensure they flourish.
Lighting Requirements
Anubias are low-light champions. They thrive in shaded areas of the tank, under floating plants, or in aquariums with low to moderate lighting. In fact, too much light is a common problem, as it can cause slow-growing Anubias leaves to become covered in algae.
Water Parameters
These plants are not fussy. They will do well in a wide range of conditions:
- Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Hardness: Soft to hard water
Fertilization Needs
Anubias are slow growers and light feeders. They primarily absorb nutrients from the water column through their leaves and roots. A good quality, comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week is more than enough to keep them happy and green.
Common Problems and Solutions When Propagating Anubias
Even with these easy plants, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with how to plant anubias seeds (or rather, rhizomes) and how to fix them.
Problem: The Rhizome is Turning Mushy and Brown (Rhizome Rot)
This is almost always caused by the rhizome being buried in the substrate. The solution is to gently lift the plant, attach it to a piece of rock or wood using one of the methods above, and trim away any soft, mushy parts of the rhizome with a sharp blade.
Problem: Growth is Extremely Slow or Stalled
Patience is key! Anubias are naturally slow growers. A new leaf every 3-4 weeks is considered good progress. If you see no growth for months, it could be a lack of nutrients. Try introducing a balanced liquid fertilizer to your routine.
Problem: Green or Black Algae is Growing on the Leaves
This is typically a sign of too much light. The slow-growing leaves of Anubias make them a prime target for algae. Try reducing your lighting period to 6-8 hours a day, moving the plant to a shadier spot, or adding some algae-eating crew members like Amano shrimp, nerite snails, or Otocinclus catfish.
Benefits of Propagating Anubias (Beyond Just More Plants)
Understanding the proper way to multiply your Anubias offers so many advantages. The benefits of how to plant anubias seeds the right way—through division—are immense.
- It’s Cost-Effective: Aquarium plants can be expensive! By propagating your own, you can turn one plant into ten over time, saving you a significant amount of money.
- It’s Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: You’re creating new plants without any of the shipping, packaging, or potential for introducing pests that comes with buying new ones. This is the heart of a sustainable how to plant anubias seeds philosophy.
- You Have Full Creative Control: Propagating allows you to create smaller, more delicate pieces that you can tuck into tiny crevices in your hardscape, giving you more control over the final look of your aquascape.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Plant Anubias
Can Anubias flower underwater?
Yes, absolutely! It’s actually quite common in healthy, established aquariums. An underwater Anubias flower is a beautiful sight and a great sign that your plant is happy and thriving.
How fast does Anubias grow?
Very, very slowly. This is one of their defining characteristics. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see explosive growth. A single new leaf per month is normal. Their slow growth is what makes them so low-maintenance.
What should I do if I already bought “Anubias seeds”?
First, don’t feel bad—it’s an extremely common and deceptive trap. You can try sprouting them in a separate container out of curiosity to see what you got. Most likely, it will be a terrestrial weed or a different aquatic plant. Just don’t add them to your main tank until you can positively identify them.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Propagate!
So, while the idea of planting Anubias from a tiny seed is a charming one, the reality is that the true path to a tank full of these beautiful plants is already in your hands.
By mastering the simple art of rhizome division, you’re not just creating new plants; you’re participating in a sustainable, cost-effective, and deeply rewarding aspect of the aquarium hobby. You’ve learned the biggest secret about “Anubias seeds,” you know the golden rule of never burying the rhizome, and you’re equipped with the best practices to ensure your new cuttings thrive.
Now, look at that overgrown Anubias in your tank not as a single plant, but as a whole world of potential. Grab your scissors, embrace the rhizome, and start creating the lush, green aquascape of your dreams. You’ve got this!
- Recirculating Deep Water Culture Hydroponics – Your Ultimate Guide To - December 4, 2025
- Hydroponics Balls – Unlock Crystal-Clear Water And Thriving Plants - December 4, 2025
- Hydroponics Long Island – Your Ultimate Guide To A Thriving Aquaponics - December 4, 2025