Is Anubias Good For Aquarium – Tanks? The Ultimate Guide For Success

If you have spent any time browsing stunning aquascapes online, you have likely noticed a lush, broad-leafed plant clinging to driftwood or stones. Is anubias good for aquarium setups of all sizes? The short answer is a resounding yes!

Whether you are just starting your first five-gallon tank or managing a massive 125-gallon display, this plant is a staple for a reason. In this guide, we will explore why this species is the “Swiss Army Knife” of aquatic plants and how you can make it thrive in your home.

I understand that starting a planted tank can feel overwhelming with all the talk of CO2, fertilizers, and PAR levels. Don’t worry—this setup is perfect for beginners! My goal today is to show you how to use Anubias to create a beautiful, low-maintenance underwater garden.

Why Is Anubias Good for Aquarium Beginners and Pros?

When people ask me, “is anubias good for aquarium keeping if I don’t have a green thumb?” I always tell them it is the closest thing to a “bulletproof” plant. Its resilience is legendary among hobbyists.

Anubias belongs to the Araceae family and originates from the tropical regions of West Africa. In the wild, it often grows in shaded rivers and streams, frequently clinging to rocks or logs near the water’s edge.

This natural habitat has made the plant incredibly adaptable to low-light conditions. Unlike many “stem plants” that require intense lighting to stay green, Anubias can survive—and even grow—in the dim corners of your tank.

Low Maintenance Requirements

One of the biggest draws is its slow growth rate. While this might sound like a downside, it is actually a blessing for busy aquarists. You won’t find yourself pruning this plant every weekend just to see your fish.

Because it grows slowly, it doesn’t consume nutrients at a rapid pace. This means you don’t need a complex liquid fertilizer schedule to keep it healthy, though a little boost now and then certainly helps.

Versatility in Design

Anubias is an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t need to be buried in the substrate. In fact, burying it can actually kill it! This unique trait allows you to get creative with your aquascaping.

You can wedge it into cracks in dragon stone, tie it to spider wood with fishing line, or even use specialized aquarium glue to stick it directly to your hardscape. This flexibility makes it a favorite for “filling in the gaps” of a layout.

Popular Varieties of Anubias for Your Tank

Not all Anubias are created equal. Depending on the size of your aquarium, you might want to choose a specific cultivar to ensure the proportions look natural.

Anubias Barteri var. Nana

This is arguably the most popular variety in the hobby. It stays relatively small, usually reaching about 3 to 4 inches in height. It features dark green, heart-shaped leaves that provide excellent cover for small fish.

Anubias Nana Petite

If you are working with a nano tank or a “shrimp bowl,” Anubias Nana Petite is your best friend. It is a miniature version of the standard Nana, with tiny leaves no larger than a fingernail. It is perfect for creating a sense of scale in small environments.

Anubias Coffeefolia

For those who want a bit more texture, Anubias coffeefolia is stunning. Its leaves have a unique, ribbed appearance that looks similar to a coffee plant. The new growth often emerges with a reddish-brown tint before turning deep green.

Anubias Barteri var. Glabra

This variety features longer, narrower leaves compared to the rounded shape of the Nana. It can grow quite large, making it an excellent choice for the mid-ground or background of a medium-sized aquarium.

The Golden Rule: Understanding the Rhizome

If there is one thing you must remember from this guide, it is how to handle the rhizome. The rhizome is the thick, horizontal green stem from which both the leaves and the roots grow.

In many aquatic plants, you bury the roots in the sand or gravel. If you do this with Anubias, the rhizome will likely rot. When the rhizome rots, the leaves will fall off, and the plant will eventually die.

How to Properly “Plant” Anubias

Instead of burying it, you should attach it to a surface. You can use cyanoacrylate-based superglue (the gel version works best) to dot a small amount on the rhizome and press it against a rock or piece of wood for a few seconds.

Alternatively, you can use dark cotton thread or fishing line to tie the plant down. Over time, the roots will naturally wrap around the hardscape, anchoring the plant firmly. Once it is attached, you can even cut the thread away!

If you absolutely must put it on the substrate, ensure only the thin, white roots are buried, while the thick green rhizome remains completely above the sand or gravel.

Ideal Water Parameters and Care

While Anubias is hardy, it will look its best if you provide it with stable conditions. Is anubias good for aquarium water that is slightly hard? Yes, it is very adaptable!

Temperature: It thrives in a range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). This makes it compatible with almost all tropical fish species.

pH Levels: It prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is quite tolerant of slightly acidic or slightly alkaline water, so don’t stress too much about “perfect” numbers.

Lighting: Low to medium lighting is ideal. If your light is too intense, you might notice green spot algae growing on the leaves. Because the leaves are slow-growing and long-lived, they are a prime target for algae buildup.

Nutrients and CO2

Anubias does not require CO2 injection to grow. However, if you do use CO2, you will notice faster growth and more robust leaves. For most hobbyists, a simple all-in-one liquid fertilizer once a week is more than enough to keep it vibrant.

It draws most of its nutrients from the water column through its leaves and roots. Therefore, focusing on a good liquid fertilizer is more effective than using root tabs for this specific plant.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Even the toughest plants can face issues. Let’s look at the two most common problems you might encounter with Anubias and how to fix them quickly.

Dealing with Algae Growth

Because Anubias leaves grow slowly and stay on the plant for a long time, they can become a “landing pad” for algae. Black Beard Algae (BBA) and Green Spot Algae are the most common culprits.

To prevent this, try to place your Anubias in a shaded area of the tank, perhaps under the canopy of a taller plant or a piece of overhanging driftwood. If algae does appear, you can perform a “spot treatment” with Seachem Excel or a diluted hydrogen peroxide dip outside of the tank.

Rhizome Rot

If you notice the rhizome becoming mushy or turning brown/black, your plant is suffering from rot. This is often caused by burying the rhizome or by a rare disease sometimes found in newly imported plants.

If you catch it early, you can use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors to cut away the rotting section. As long as a small portion of the healthy, firm rhizome remains with at least one leaf, the plant can often recover and regrow.

Best Tank Mates for Anubias

One of the reasons is anubias good for aquarium enthusiasts is its compatibility with “problematic” fish. Many herbivorous fish will eat soft, delicate plants like Cabomba or Hornwort, but they usually leave Anubias alone.

Goldfish and Cichlids

Goldfish are notorious for eating plants, but Anubias leaves are very tough and leathery. Most goldfish will find them unappealing. Similarly, large African Cichlids that like to dig in the substrate won’t be able to uproot an Anubias that is glued to a rock.

Shrimp and Snails

Freshwater shrimp, such as Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp, love Anubias. They spend their days grazing on the biofilm and microscopic algae that form on the broad leaves. The plant provides excellent hiding spots for molting shrimp as well.

Snails are also great companions. They will help keep the leaves clean of debris and algae without damaging the plant itself. It is a truly harmonious relationship!

Advanced Tips: Propagating Your Anubias

Once your plant has grown several inches and has multiple leaves, you can easily create “clones” for free. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby.

To propagate, simply locate the rhizome and find a spot where there are at least 3-4 healthy leaves. Use a sharp blade to slice through the rhizome. You now have two separate plants!

Make sure each piece has some roots and leaves attached. The “mother” plant will eventually sprout a new growth point from the area where you made the cut, and the new “daughter” plant can be moved to a different part of the tank.

Is Anubias Good for Aquarium Scapes? Design Ideas

If you are looking for inspiration on how to use this plant, consider these three classic layouts:

• The “Tree” Look: Glue Anubias Nana Petite to the branches of a piece of Bonsai Driftwood. This creates the appearance of a miniature underwater tree with a lush green canopy.
• The Rock Wall: Wedge various sizes of Anubias into the crevices of a vertical rock wall. This creates a “jungle cliff” effect that looks incredibly natural and aged.
• The Low-Light Jungle: Combine Anubias with Java Fern and Cryptocoryne. These three plants all share similar low-light requirements and create a dense, textured environment that requires very little maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Anubias need a special substrate?

No, it does not! Since it is an epiphyte, it can grow perfectly fine in a tank with no substrate at all, or even just plain gravel. It gets its nutrients from the water, not the soil.

Can Anubias grow out of the water?

Yes! In a “paludarium” or a “riparium” setup, Anubias can grow with its roots submerged and its leaves above the water line. It actually grows faster in the air because it has access to more CO2, as long as the humidity is kept very high.

Why are the leaves on my Anubias turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves, or chlorosis, is usually a sign of a nutrient deficiency—specifically iron or potassium. Try adding a high-quality liquid fertilizer to your weekly routine to see if the new growth improves.

Is Anubias safe for Betta fish?

Absolutely. In fact, many Betta keepers use Anubias barteri because the large, flat leaves provide a perfect “Betta bed” near the surface where the fish can rest and breathe easily.

Conclusion

So, is anubias good for aquarium success? Without a doubt. It is hardy, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing. It bridges the gap between a “plastic plant” tank and a high-tech “aquascaped” masterpiece without the stress of difficult maintenance.

By respecting the rhizome and providing even a basic level of care, you can enjoy these slow-growing beauties for many years. They are truly the “set it and forget it” plant of the aquatic world.

I encourage you to pick up a small Anubias Nana during your next visit to the local fish store. Glue it to a small rock, drop it in your tank, and watch how it transforms your underwater world. Happy fish keeping!