How To Take Care Of Anubias Nana – Your Fail-Proof Guide To Lush,

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever been told that Anubias nana is the “indestructible” aquarium plant, only to watch yours become covered in stubborn algae or simply refuse to grow? It’s a common frustration that leaves many aquarists scratching their heads.

You bought this plant because it was supposed to be easy, but now you’re wondering what you’re doing wrong. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the solution is often surprisingly simple.

I promise this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge to turn your struggling Anubias into a centerpiece of vibrant green. We’ll walk through everything, from the one golden rule of planting to the secrets of keeping its beautiful leaves algae-free.

In this complete how to take care of anubias nana guide, we’ll cover proper planting techniques, ideal lighting and water conditions, simple propagation, and how to troubleshoot the most common problems. Let’s get your Anubias thriving!

What Makes Anubias Nana the Perfect Aquarium Plant?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s appreciate why Anubias barteri var. nana is a superstar in the aquascaping world. Hailing from the shaded rivers and streams of West Africa, this plant is built to be tough, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned experts.

Here are just a few of the benefits of how to take care of anubias nana and adding it to your tank:

  • Incredibly Hardy: This plant can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it very forgiving. It doesn’t demand a perfect, high-tech setup to look good.
  • Low Light Champion: Unlike many demanding plants, Anubias nana thrives in low to moderate light. This means you don’t need expensive, high-intensity lighting systems.
  • Versatile Placement: Because it attaches to surfaces rather than rooting in substrate, you can place it virtually anywhere—on driftwood, rocks, or decorations—to add depth and texture to your aquascape.
  • Fish-Friendly: Its leaves are thick, waxy, and tough, which means most herbivorous fish (like many cichlids or even goldfish) will leave it alone. It’s a plant that actually lasts!

Its slow growth and deep green, leathery leaves provide a timeless, natural look that complements any aquarium style. It’s the reliable friend of the plant world—always there and always looking good with just a little bit of know-how.

The Golden Rule: Planting Anubias Nana Correctly

If you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this: DO NOT BURY THE RHIZOME. This is, without a doubt, the number one mistake new aquarists make, and it’s a fatal one for the plant.

Let’s break down exactly what that means and how to get it right every time.

What is the Rhizome and Why Can’t I Bury It?

The rhizome is the thick, horizontal green stem from which the leaves and roots grow. Think of it as the plant’s central artery. It needs to be exposed to the water column to breathe and absorb nutrients.

When you bury the rhizome in your substrate (like sand or gravel), you effectively suffocate it. It will quickly begin to rot, turning mushy and black, and the entire plant will fall apart and die. We’ve all been tempted to plant it like a typical terrestrial plant—don’t do it!

Best Practices for Anchoring Your Anubias

So, how do you keep it in place? You attach it to something! This is where you can get creative. Anubias looks stunning anchored to driftwood or textured rocks. Here are the three most popular and effective methods:

  1. The Super Glue Method (Our Favorite): This is the quickest and cleanest way. Use a gel-type super glue containing cyanoacrylate—it’s completely aquarium-safe once cured. Simply pat the plant’s roots and the attachment spot dry, apply a few dabs of glue to the roots (not the rhizome!), and press it firmly onto the rock or wood for 30-60 seconds.
  2. The Fishing Line or Thread Method: A classic technique. Use a dark-colored cotton thread or thin fishing line to gently tie the rhizome to your hardscape. Don’t tie it too tightly, as you don’t want to damage the rhizome. Over time, the plant’s roots will grow and grip the surface, and you can eventually remove the thread (or cotton thread will dissolve on its own).
  3. The Wedge Method: This requires no tools at all! Look for natural cracks or crevices in your driftwood or between rocks. You can often gently wedge the rhizome into these spots. The plant will eventually anchor itself with its roots. Just make sure it’s secure enough that it won’t be dislodged by your fish or the water flow.

Following these how to take care of anubias nana best practices for planting is the most important step toward long-term success.

Creating the Ideal Environment: Water and Lighting

While Anubias nana is incredibly adaptable, providing it with a stable and suitable environment will ensure it not only survives but truly flourishes. This is a core part of any good how to take care of anubias nana care guide.

Water Parameters: Keeping it Stable

Anubias isn’t fussy, but like all aquatic life, it dislikes sudden, drastic changes. Consistency is key.

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C) is the sweet spot. It comfortably thrives in the same temperature range as most tropical community fish.
  • pH: A range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal, but it can tolerate slightly outside this range.
  • Water Hardness: It’s not picky about hardness and will do well in both soft and hard water.

The main takeaway? Focus on maintaining a stable tank environment through regular water changes, and your Anubias will be perfectly happy.

Lighting: Less is More

This is where many aquarists go wrong. We often think more light equals better plant growth. For Anubias nana, the opposite is true. It’s a low-light plant that evolved under the canopy of dense forests.

Exposing it to high-intensity light is a direct invitation for algae, particularly stubborn Green Spot Algae (GSA), to grow on its slow-growing leaves. The plant grows so slowly that algae can easily outcompete it for surface area under bright light.

To prevent this, place your Anubias in a shaded area of your tank—underneath larger plants, overhanging driftwood, or in a corner. If you have a high-tech tank with strong lighting, using floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters can be a great way to diffuse the light and keep your Anubias happy.

Feeding Your Anubias: Fertilizers and CO2 Explained

As an epiphyte—a plant that grows on other surfaces—Anubias nana primarily pulls its nutrients from the water column through its roots and leaves, not from the substrate.

Do You Need Fertilizers?

In a low-tech tank with a healthy fish load, the waste produced by your fish might provide enough nutrients. However, to see the best growth and the deepest green leaves, a little extra food goes a long way.

A comprehensive, all-in-one liquid fertilizer is the perfect choice. Dose it once or twice a week according to the instructions. Since Anubias is a slow grower, it’s not a heavy feeder, so you don’t need to overdo it. Forget about root tabs for this plant; they won’t be effective.

What About CO2 Injection?

Let’s be clear: CO2 is not necessary for Anubias nana. It will grow perfectly fine without it. However, if you already run CO2 in your tank for other plants, your Anubias will certainly benefit. You may notice slightly faster growth and more robust, vibrant leaves. Think of it as a welcome bonus, not a requirement.

How to Take Care of Anubias Nana: Pruning and Propagation

One of the most rewarding aspects of plant ownership is watching it grow and creating new plants from it. This section of our how to take care of anubias nana guide covers just that.

Simple Pruning for a Healthy Plant

Maintenance is incredibly easy. Occasionally, an older leaf may turn yellow and die off. This is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. Simply use a pair of aquascaping scissors to snip the leaf’s stem as close to the rhizome as possible.

You can also prune leaves that have become covered in algae that you can’t remove. Removing them allows the plant to direct its energy toward new, healthy growth.

Propagating Your Anubias: Making More Plants for Free!

Ready for more Anubias? Propagation is incredibly simple. Once your plant’s rhizome has grown long and has plenty of leaves (at least 8-10), you can divide it.

  1. Gently remove the plant from the aquarium.
  2. Using a sharp, clean razor blade or scissors, cut the rhizome into two or more sections.
  3. The crucial tip: Make sure each new section has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. This ensures the new cutting has enough energy stored to establish itself.
  4. That’s it! You now have new plants that you can attach elsewhere in your tank or share with a friend. This is a core part of sustainable how to take care of anubias nana practices.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with How to Take Care of Anubias Nana

Even the toughest plants can run into issues. Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with how to take care of anubias nana.

Problem: Green Spot Algae on Leaves

  • Cause: Almost always caused by too much direct light. It can also be linked to low phosphate levels in the water.
  • Solution: Move the plant to a more shaded area of the tank or reduce your lighting duration. You can manually scrape the spots off with a thumbnail or an old credit card, but it’s stubborn. Introducing Nerite snails can help, as they are one of the few creatures that will eat it.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

  • Cause: This typically indicates a nutrient deficiency, often nitrogen or iron. It can also happen to very old leaves that are at the end of their life cycle.
  • Solution: If multiple leaves are yellowing, start a consistent dosing routine with a quality all-in-one liquid fertilizer. If it’s just one old, tattered leaf, simply prune it off.

Problem: Melting or Rotting Rhizome

  • Cause: The rhizome has been buried in the substrate.
  • Solution: Act immediately! Carefully lift the plant and check the rhizome. Trim away any parts that are soft, black, and mushy. Attach the remaining healthy portion to a rock or piece of driftwood, ensuring the rhizome is fully exposed to the water.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias Care

Being a responsible aquarist also means thinking about our environmental impact. Thankfully, practicing eco-friendly how to take care of anubias nana is easy.

Because this plant is so simple to propagate, you can easily grow enough for your own needs and more. Instead of buying new plants, trade your cuttings with local hobbyists. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and supports the community.

Choosing natural solutions for algae control, like adding snails or Amano shrimp instead of chemical algaecides, is another great way to maintain a healthy, balanced, and eco-friendly ecosystem in your aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Care

Why are my Anubias Nana leaves turning yellow?

This is most often a sign of a nutrient deficiency. If it’s happening to newer leaves, it could be a lack of iron or other micronutrients. If it’s older leaves, it could be a lack of macronutrients like nitrogen. Start by adding a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to your weekly routine.

Can Anubias Nana grow in sand or gravel?

Yes, but with a critical rule: you can let the thin, stringy roots go down into the substrate for anchorage, but the thick, green rhizome must remain above the sand or gravel. Never bury the rhizome.

How fast does Anubias Nana grow?

Extremely slowly! You might only see one new leaf every 3-5 weeks. This slow growth is part of its charm and what makes it so low-maintenance. Be patient and enjoy its steady, reliable presence.

What fish are safe to keep with Anubias Nana?

Almost all of them! Its leaves are tough and bitter, so even notorious plant-eaters like Silver Dollars or some African Cichlids tend to leave it alone. It’s an excellent choice for tanks where other plants might get eaten.

Your Journey to a Thriving Anubias Starts Now

You now have all the expert knowledge and practical tips needed to master how to take care of Anubias nana. It really boils down to a few simple principles: never bury the rhizome, provide low to moderate light, and maintain a stable tank.

By following this guide, you can avoid the common pitfalls and cultivate a plant that brings a lush, timeless beauty to your aquarium for years to come.

So go ahead, find that perfect piece of driftwood, and give your Anubias the home it deserves. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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