Let me guess: Anubias was one of the first plants you added to your very first aquarium?
You’re not the only one! Anubias is a favored choice among aquarium enthusiasts and aquascapers. Known for their unique leaf structures and slow growth rate, Anubias plants add a touch of elegance to any underwater setup. Moreover, there are so many varieties of Anubias on the market that there is something for everyone and for every aquascape. In this blog post, I will delve into the care of different Anubias species including large variants like Anubias gigantea and small ones such as Anubias afzelii. We’ll explore the optimal growing conditions these plants require for healthy development – from water quality to light tolerance levels and discuss the correct propagation techniques for achieving best results with your Anubias plants,
Anubias is a popular aquatic plant that is loved by aquarium hobbyists for its lush green leaves and undemanding nature With its slow growth and adaptability to various conditions, anubias makes an excellent addition to low-tech planted tanks However, like any other plant, proper care is needed to keep your anubias healthy and thriving. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects of anubias plant care and provide useful tips and tricks for optimal growth.
Understanding the Basics of Anubias Plants
Anubias plants belong to the Araceae family and originate from the tropical regions of West Africa There are numerous species and varieties of anubias available, but some of the most popular ones include Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, Anubias hastifolia, Anubias gracilis, and Anubias afzelii
These aquatic plants are characterized by their broad, dark green leaves with clearly distinguished veins. The leaves emerge from a creeping horizontal stem called a rhizome. The rhizome anchors the plant by producing roots into the substrate. Anubias are slow-growing plants, adding only 1-2 leaves per year under optimal conditions.
One of the best things about anubias is that they can thrive in low light conditions. In their natural habitat, these plants grow in shaded areas near river banks. This makes them ideal for low-tech aquariums that do not have high intensity lighting.
Caring for Your Anubias Plant: Tips and Tricks
Water Parameters
Anubias prefer soft, slightly acidic water conditions. The ideal pH range is 6.0-7.5 and hardness levels should be 4-8 KH. The water temperature should be between 72°F to 82°F for optimal growth. Stable water parameters are more important than ideal numbers, so focus on maintaining consistency.
Perform partial water changes of 25-30% every week to replenish minerals and remove organics. Test the water periodically with a quality test kit. This allows you to monitor parameters and make adjustments as needed.
Lighting Requirements
Anubias are low-light plants. High intensity light often leads to algae growth on their leaves. Aim for moderate lighting of 0.5-2 watts per gallon provided by fluorescent or LED aquarium lights.
Place anubias in shaded spots away from direct light. Floating plants like frogbit and roots of emergent plants can help provide shade. 6-8 hours of daily light is adequate for anubias to thrive.
Substrate and Fertilization
Anubias are epiphytes that absorb most nutrients through their leaves rather than roots. This makes fertilized substrate unnecessary. However, you can use root tabs near the rhizome to provide micronutrients.
Use liquid fertilizers like easy green or thrive to supply macros and micros. Dose 1-2 times a week according to manufacturer’s guidelines. CO2 injection can be beneficial but is not mandatory. Without CO2, provide less than 1 watt/gallon light intensity.
Maintenance and Growth
Remove dying leaves at the base of the plant. Yellowing leaves often indicate nutrient deficiency. Trim any damaged leaves with sterilized scissors.
Divide overgrown plants by cutting the rhizome with a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have 2-3 leaves. Replant the divisions to propagate your anubias collection.
Anubias are slow growers. Expect just a few new leaves per year. Patience is key for lush growth. Providing optimal care as discussed can help speed things up a bit.
Common Problems and Solutions
Algae Growth
Algae easily coats the broad leaves of anubias. Green spot algae and black beard algae are common culprits.
Causes:
- Excessive lighting period
- High intensity light
- Nutrient imbalance in water
Solutions:
- Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours
- Add floating plants for shade
- Remove affected leaves
- Improve water circulation
- Balance fertilizer dosing
- Manually remove algae
Yellowing Leaves
Older leaves yellowing from the tip downward is common. But if many leaves rapidly turn yellow, it indicates a problem.
Causes:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Poor substrate
- Deteriorating water parameters
Solutions:
- Test water parameters and correct accordingly
- Add root tabs for micronutrients
- Increase fertilization
- Replace old substrate if needed
Rotting Rhizome
The rhizome anchors the anubias plant. Rotting often occurs due to poor conditions.
Causes:
- Burying rhizome in substrate
- Stagnant water flow
- Excessive light leading to heat buildup
Solutions:
- Never bury rhizome in substrate
- Improve water circulation
- Provide shade if exposed to excessive light
- Treat with anti-fungal medication if severe
Tips for Healthy Anubias Growth
- Quarantine new plants before adding to tank
- Attach to hardscape instead of planting in substrate
- Place in shaded spots away from direct lighting
- Use liquid fertilizer to provide nutrition
- Maintain stable, soft and slightly acidic water
- Prune old and damaged leaves regularly
- Propagate by rhizome division for bushy growth
- Introduce algae eaters like nerite snails and shrimp
- Provide good water flow to prevent stagnation
- Test water parameters routinely and correct if needed
Anubias are beautiful and undemanding aquatic plants perfect for low-tech set ups. By following the care guidelines in this guide, you can have lush and healthy anubias gracing your aquarium. Pay close attention to placement, lighting, fertilization and water conditions. Be patient, as these are slow growing plants. With a little time and effort, your anubias will flourish into a stunning underwater garden. Let us know if you have any other care tips for anubias plants!
How to grow and care for Anubias
Anubias plants are the perfect addition to any aquarium, but to keep them healthy, you need to provide the right growing conditions. Here are some of my personal tips to improve the health of your Anubias aquarium plants.
Tip #1: water quality matters
Clean water is essential for healthy Anubias plants, in fact it’s important for ALL aquarium plants! So keep organic waste levels low by doing regular water changes and using an efficient filtration system. This will not only keep your tank looking great but also prevent harmful algae from taking over. This is especially important for Anubias because it’s a slow growing plant and thus more likely to get algae! Here are some “specs” that apply to most varieties of Anubias, but be sure to check the requirements of the specific variety you want to add to your aquascape:
- Temperature range: 22°- 30° Celsius
- PH range : 6 – 8
- GH range : 4 – 30
- Light: low / medium
Tip #2: lighting is key
An important aspect of helping your anubias grow is providing it with appropriate lighting conditions. As these are low-light plants native to shaded areas in nature, they do not require intense light in aquarium settings either. In fact, too much light can lead to unwanted algae growth on the organic material of their leaves.
If you notice green spots appearing on your plant’s leaves (GSA or “Green Spot Algae”), consider reducing exposure time or intensity until conditions improve. Remember that unlike huge Amazon sword plants, which thrive under strong light, most varieties extract carbon ineffectively due to their slower metabolism rates. It may seem counterintuitive, but placing Anubias towards darker sections within aquascapes often results in healthier specimens since they’re less likely exposed excessively against harmful algal blooms while still receiving adequate amounts of necessary nutrients through the water column itself provided by regular maintenance routines.
Tip #3: fertilizing and CO2
This is a question I get regularly: are fertilizers and CO2 injection really necessary for Anubias? The answer is: yes and no. No, because the plant is a really slow grower and not very demanding, it should be perfectly able to survive with low levels of carbon dioxide and nutrients in the water column.
However, if you want your Anubias – and any other aquarium plant in your tank – to thrive and go crazy then I recommend giving them the nutrients they need. For this you could use my All-in-One aquarium fertilizer which uses a great mix of trace elements and NPK for a complete dose. Injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into your aquarium is also not really necessary but it CAN do wonders for your Anubias plants. The CO2 injection enhances their robustness against algae and significantly increases growth rates. It’s like giving them a shot of espresso Be sure to check out my complete CO2 kit to easily add CO2 to your tank.
PS: have you noticed pale or yellow leaves on your Anubias? Then you probably have a nutrient defiiciency!
How to plant Anubias: on rocks, driftwood and soil
First of all: Anubias is an epiphyte by nature and should NEVER be buried in substrate unlike other aquarium plants! The rhizome is where all its roots sprout from; burying it could cause rotting leading to eventual plant death. Instead, they should be stuck into hardscape crevices or attached onto rocks or wood using string or super glue.
Zip Tie Method
The zip tie method is a popular and straightforward technique for attaching Anubias to driftwood or rocks in your aquarium. Simply wrap the zip tie around the rhizome of the plant and secure it tightly enough that it won’t slip off but loose enough so as not to damage the plant itself. It’s like giving your plant a little hug. Instead of a zip tie, you could also use some (nylon) string.
Superglue Technique
For a more lasting fix, you may want to try using superglue. Yes, you read that right. Certain types of superglue are safe for use in aquariums and can securely attach your Anubias plants to various surfaces without causing harm. Be sure to choose a glue that’s cyanoacrylate-based; these glues become inert when wet, making them harmless for fish and other aquatic life forms. It’s like giving your plant a makeover with a little bit of glue
Anubias Plant Care for Beginners
FAQ
How to keep Anubias healthy?
How can I increase my Anubias growth?
How to properly plant Anubias?
What is the best plant food for Anubias?
How to care for Anubias?
Now, let’s have a rundown of all the necessary tank requirements/ water parameters: Using a good thermometer, ensure that the temperature is close to 72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C), this temperature range is ideal for the Anubias as they will thrive best.
Why are Anubias popular in the aquarium hobby?
Anubias plants are popular in the aquarium hobby because of their tolerance to a wide range of water conditions and their ability to thrive under low light. These plants require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for beginners in the aquatic plant hobby. Some reasons why Anubias is popular in the aquarium hobby include:
How do Anubias adapt to water conditions?
Anubias plants can adapt to a range of water conditions, including both soft and hard water as well as acidic and alkaline environments. Some species can even grow immersed, partially submerged, or fully submerged, showing their diversity in water level preferences. Ideal temperatures for these plants are between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
Do Anubias need to be cleaned before planting?
Before attaching the Anubias plant to hardscape material such as rocks or driftwood thoroughly clean them. Cleaning helps remove any dirt or debris that may contaminate the plant or damage its roots. Cleaning also allows the Anubias to attach itself faster & more easily to your hardscape.