The Most Popular Uses for Anubias Plants in Aquariums

Anubias are some of the most popular aquarium plants for hobbyists due to their versatility, hardiness, and ease of care. This lovely plant has a variety of uses in an aquarium setting. Here are some of the top ways both beginner and experienced aquarists love to utilize anubias in their tanks:

Attached to Driftwood and Rocks

One of the most common ways to use anubias is by attaching it to pieces of driftwood, rocks, or other hard aquascaping materials. Since anubias are epiphyte plants that feed through their leaves instead of their roots, they do not require planting into substrate like most aquatic plants. Their roots simply anchor onto surfaces. Using dark superglue gel or fishing line, you can affix anubias directly onto any rock or driftwood. This creates a very natural look as the anubias appears to be growing on these hardscape elements as they would in the wild. The roots will grab hold over time and attach themselves firmly. This removes the need to keep tying them down.

Foreground Carpeting

The small compact leaves of petite anubias nana and anubias nana ‘pinto’ make them excellent choices for carpeting the foreground of an aquarium. You can create a lush green carpet by using small weights like pebbles or plant weights to keep the anubias anchored in place while allowing their small leaves to spread horizontally along the substrate. The slow steady growth of anubias is perfect for maintaining a compact foreground cover. Their hardiness also helps them withstand being uprooted by rambunctious fish.

Shaded Midground Accents

Anubias placed sporadically throughout the midground zone of an aquarium provides nice accents of color and texture. Their broad leaves contrast nicely with fine-leaved stems and grassy foreground plants. Choose midground spots shaded by wood, rocks or taller background plants. This prevents algae growth on the anubias leaves under strong lighting. The shade complements anubias’ natural preference for lower light.

Background Focal Points

Larger anubias can make stunning background showpieces. Species like anubias barteri can have leaves up to 12 inches, making them true focal points behind smaller plants. Their broad leaves and structural rhizomes give height and drama to the rear of the aquascape. Place them slightly off center to create an asymmetrical look. You can angle them to provide tantalizing glimpses of the lush leaves rather than allowing the anubias to be clearly viewed.

Floating at the Surface

Because they can grow fully submersed, emerse or anywhere in between, anubias are one of the only aquatic plants that can thrive while free-floating at the water’s surface. You can simply allow them to float freely rather than anchoring them into place. They will do perfectly fine, absorbing nutrients from the water column and drawing CO2 from the air. Trailing roots dangling below the lush leaves looks natural and provides hideaways for shy fish.

Emersed Growth in Paludariums

Paludariums that combine underwater and emersed land areas are perfect for displaying anubias’ adapting talents Place rhizomes and roots in the water portion with leaves emerging onto land The leaves can flourish above water provided the climate stays humid, Use spray bottles or humidifying equipment to regularly mist the leaves, Take care to avoid getting water on sensitive tropical plant foliage sharing the land portion, Anubias look right at home straddling these two environments,

Shrimp Tanks and Fry Habitats

Anubias’ tough leaves make them ideal inhabitants of shrimp tanks and fish breeding setups. They provide surfaces for grazing shrimp seeking microfauna and biofilm while withstanding constant nibbling. Their sturdy leaves and roots also give shelter for shy fry and juvenile fish seeking refuge from aggressive adults. Anubias won’t shred or uproot when housing hyperactive inhabitants. Place them strategically to maximize their usefulness as multipurpose havens.

Centerpiece Specimens

Anubias have a stately appearance that allows them to serve as centerpiece specimens displayed on their own. Their large, spear-shaped leaves command attention. Choose a robust, healthy rhizome with perfect leaves. Display it solo without competition on a pedestal of granite or quartz stone. Under spotlighting, the dramatic leaves will gleam. Keep algae at bay with careful monitoring and manual removal to allow the anubias’ beauty to shine.

Contrasting Colors

There are many color forms of anubias prized for adding variety to planted tanks. Golden and yellow-leafed varieties provide bright pops of color against darker green plants. Marbles and speckled cultivars like ‘pinto’ offer fascinating patterns. Deep green and red-hued species offset lighter plants Mix and match anubias types to create eye-catching combos. Use them to establish focal points and direct attention to specific areas of the layout.

Low Maintenance Demands

A major advantage to keeping anubias is their low maintenance needs. Unlike delicate stem plants, anubias require little specialized care once situated in optimal conditions. Their slow growth means pruning and trimming are rarely needed. They thrive in standard aquarium temperature and pH ranges. Minimal fertilization sustains them. When planted according to their preferences, anubias take care of themselves as they steadily grow. New aquarists can enjoy success with undemanding anubias.

Anubias’ combination of hardiness, adaptability and ornamental beauty make them prized aquarium residents. Their versatility enables aquarists to showcase anubias in almost any manner imaginable. Take advantage of their diversity and use your imagination when incorporating these lovely broad-leafed plants into your next aquascape. They rarely disappoint regardless of how you choose to implement them.