Anubis Plant: A Complete Guide to Growing this Gorgeous Houseplant Indoors

The anubias plant, with its broad, lush green leaves, makes a stunning addition to any indoor space. Native to tropical regions of Africa, this low-maintenance houseplant can thrive indoors with proper care. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips and tricks for successfully growing a healthy and vibrant anubias plant in your home.

Anubias, scientifically known as Anubias barteri, is a genus of aquatic plants containing several different species. This perennial plant grows horizontally, with a thick rhizome and leaves emerging directly from the rhizome. The leaves can vary in shape from oval to arrowhead, depending on the species.

One of the most popular species for indoor growing is Anubias barteri var. nana. It has dark green oval leaves and is a slow but steady grower. Other popular varieties include A. barteri var. angustifolia with narrow, spear-shaped leaves and A. hastifolia with triangular leaves.

Anubias plants grow up to 16 inches high and 12 inches wide, making them ideal for desks, tabletops and shelves Their resilience and adaptation to low light makes anubias perfect for beginners

Lighting Requirements

Anubias thrive in bright indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will grow faster and produce lush, vivid leaves with ample diffused light.

East or west-facing windows are ideal spots as they provide consistent bright light without exposing the plant to intense afternoon sun. If keeping them farther from a window, consider supplementing with grow lights. LED full spectrum bulbs positioned 12-15 inches above the anubias for 10-12 hours daily will suffice.

Watering Best Practices

Overwatering is the number one cause of problems with anubias plants, They have rhizomes adapted to soggy swamps but their roots will rot if constantly soaked

Water thoroughly only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. This may mean watering once a week or every 10-14 days depending on your environment. The planting container must have drainage holes at the bottom.

Always use room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water containing salts, chlorine and fluoride can accumulate and burn the leaves.

Tips for Humidity and Temperature

Anubias naturally grows in the warm, humid tropics of Africa. Replicating some of these conditions will lead to optimal growth.

• Ideal temperatures are between 70°F to 80°F. Keep away from cold drafts or hot radiators.

• Increase humidity around the plant by placing its pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Grouping plants together also increases local humidity.

• Misting the leaves 2-3 times a week raises the moisture around the foliage.

The Role of Fertilizer

While anubias are not heavy feeders, providing supplemental fertilizer can promote lush, vigorous growth.

• Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Discontinue in fall and winter.

• Iron deficiency causes yellowing between veins. Apply a fertilizer containing iron or use iron supplements to correct it.

• Overfertilizing can cause leaf burn. Flush the soil with water if this occurs.

Repotting Anubias Plants

Anubias have slow growth and don’t need frequent repotting. Repot when the roots fill the container or every 2-3 years.

• Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current size. Overpotting causes root rot.

• Well draining potting mixes like peat-based mix are ideal. The rhizome must not be buried in the soil.

• Transplant in the spring after the last frost when the plant is actively growing.

Common Pests and Solutions

Anubias are quite pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by:

• Mealybugs – Cottony white critters on leaves. Wipe off with cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

• Scale insects – Swollen brown bumps on leaves. Remove manually and treat with neem oil.

• Aphids – Green, red or black pear-shaped insects. Blast off with water or use insecticidal soap.

• Snails and slugs – Chew holes in leaves. Remove them manually or use diatomaceous earth.

Prevention is key – inspect plants regularly, isolate new plants and act quickly if pests are found.

Propagating Anubias

Anubias can be easily propagated by division of the rhizome when repotting. Use a sterile, sharp knife to cut a section with 2-3 leaves. Plant in potting mix, keeping the rhizome above soil.

You can also cut a leaf with the petiole and place it in water to grow roots. Once rooted, plant in soil. This leaf propagation method is slower but useful for multiplying your anubias collection.

Growing Anubias in an Aquarium

Anubias are commonly used in aquariums and aquascaping due to their ability to grow submersed underwater. To grow them successfully in an aquarium:

• Use a substrate like gravel or sand and anchor the rhizome to driftwood or rocks. The rhizome should not be buried.

• Provide moderate lighting of 2-4 watts per gallon. Low to moderate light is ideal.

• Maintain water temperature between 72°F to 82°F and ensure good water quality through regular changes.

• Liquid fertilizers can be added to the water per manufacturer’s instructions. But go easy as excess nutrients cause algae.

With their shades of green and tolerance to low light, anubias plants make an easy yet dramatic statement in any indoor space. Follow these tips on lighting, watering, humidity and troubleshooting to grow a healthy, thriving anubias houseplant that will delight you for years to come.