Anubis Plant: Outdoor Growing Tips for a Beautiful Garden

Anubis plants also known as Anubias barteri are a popular choice for adding greenery and interest to outdoor spaces. With their broad, lush leaves and easy care requirements, anubis plants can transform any garden into a tropical oasis. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully grow anubis plants outdoors and provide tips to help them thrive.

Choosing the Right Location

When growing anubis plants outdoors, site selection is key. Anubis prefer partial shade, so look for areas that receive dappled sunlight throughout the day. Bright, direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Sheltered spots near trees, shrubs or structures are ideal.

Ensure the location has moist, well-draining soil. Anubis plants can tolerate short periods of dryness but prefer consistently damp soil. Avoid planting them in low spots or areas that collect standing water after rains. Their roots will rot if left in soggy soil for too long.

Preparing the Soil

Anubis plants grow best in rich, loamy soil with added organic matter. Before planting, work aged compost, rotted manure or peat moss into the soil to improve moisture retention and nutrients. You can also mix in sand or small gravel to enhance drainage.

The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Test the soil pH and amend if needed before planting anubias. They won’t thrive in highly alkaline or very acidic soils.

Planting Anubis Outdoors

When planting anubis outdoors, dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the plant’s root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its container, gently loosen any circling roots and place in the hole.

Fill the hole with soil pressing gently around the roots to remove air pockets. Crown the soil around the base of the plant to create a shallow basin that will help retain moisture.

Make sure the rhizome is above soil level. Burying it can cause crown rot. If needed, create a small mound of soil under the roots to prop up the rhizome.

Watering Anubis Plants

Anubis plants need moist soil to thrive. Water them deeply after planting and whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Add mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture.

Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. The leaves will start to droop slightly when they need water.

During hot, dry spells provide extra water. Increase frequency if growth slows or leaves start to yellow or brown on the edges. Reduce watering in rainy periods.

Fertilizing Anubis Outdoors

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Dilute it to half strength before applying. Good options include fish emulsion or water-soluble fertilizers made for tropical foliage plants.

Scatter a slow-release granular fertilizer around anubis plants in early spring. This provides a steady supply of nutrients for several months. Reapply midsummer if needed.

Caring for Anubis Plants Outdoors

Here are some tips for keeping outdoor anubis plants looking their best:

• Remove any dead, diseased or damaged leaves promptly. Clip leaf stems back to the rhizome base.

• Prune off leggy growth and shape plants by cutting stems back to just above a node.

• Divide congested clumps every few years in early spring. Replant the healthiest rhizome sections.

• Check regularly for pests like aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Control with insecticidal soap.

• In cold climates, mulch heavily in fall and remove mulch in spring after last frost date.

Propagating Anubis Plants

Anubis plants are easy to propagate by division. In early spring, gently pull large plants apart into smaller sections. Each division should have 3-5 leaves and healthy roots. Replant the divisions elsewhere in the garden.

You can also remove and root stems. Cut a stem with at least 2 leaves. Remove the lower leaves and insert the stem into moist potting mix. Keep it warm and humid while new roots form.

Common Problems With Anubis Plants Outdoors

Growing anubis plants outdoors has many benefits but here are a few potential problems to watch for:

• Leaf scorch – Usually caused by too much direct sun. Move plants to dappled shade.

• Leaf yellowing – Can indicate overwatering, poor drainage or insufficient nutrients. Improve conditions.

• Slow growth – May be due to inadequate moisture, compacted soil, extreme temps or improper pH.

• Leaf spots/blight – Fungal diseases encouraged by overly wet soil. Improve drainage and airflow.

• Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings.

• Pests – Aphids, scale and spider mites can infest plants. Control with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.

Tips for Growing Anubis in Containers

You can also grow anubis plants in containers outdoors. Repot them each spring using a well-draining potting mix amended with compost or worm castings. Site containers in part shade.

Choose pots that hold moisture but have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. Glazed ceramic and plastic pots work well. For large containers, place rhizomes at the edges so they receive ample air circulation.

Water container plants regularly so the soil stays evenly moist. Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season. Move containers to a frost-free location in winter if you live in a colder climate.

Achieving a Beautiful Outdoor Display

Here are some ideas for creating an eye-catching anubis plant garden:

• Underplant them with shade-loving groundcovers like sweet woodruff, dead nettle or lamium.

• Mix with ferns, caladiums, bromeliads and other tropical-looking foliage.

• Plant in drifts alongside a pond, stream or water feature.

• Use as a dramatic backdrop to shorter plants like impatiens, begonias or coleus.

• Plant in rows along a partly shaded deck or patio.

• Display in planters or hanging baskets on an outdoor living space.

With their bold, exotic foliage, anubis plants let you bring the ambiance of the tropics to your own backyard. Follow these tips on outdoor growing conditions and care to keep your anubis plants healthy and enhance your garden with their stately presence all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Anubis Outdoors

What are the ideal growing conditions for anubis plants outdoors?

Anubis plants thrive in partial shade, moist well-draining soil, warm temperatures between 65-85°F and moderate humidity. Avoid hot direct sun and overly wet soil.

How much sun do they need?

Anubis prefer bright filtered sunlight or dappled shade. About 4 hours of early morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. Hot midday sun can damage leaves.

Can you grow anubis plants in full shade?

They will tolerate deep shade but may grow more slowly and produce smaller leaves. Some dappled sunlight is better to encourage lush growth.

What temperature range is best for anubis plants outside?

Daytime temperatures between 65-85°F are ideal. They can tolerate slightly cooler and warmer conditions but may decline in extreme heat or cold.

Can anubis plants stay outside in winter?

In frost-free climates, anubis can remain outside year-round. Where winters are cold, they should be moved indoors or protected from freezing.

How do I winterize my outdoor anubis plants?

In fall, prepare for winter by moving plants indoors or to a protected area. Mulch heavily around plants left outside. Cut stems back to reduce cold damage to foliage.

What is the best way to water outdoor anubis plants?

Water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid frequent light watering. Ensure soil drains well to prevent soggy conditions.

How often should outdoor anubis plants be fertilized?

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Slow-release granular fertilizer can be used in early spring and midsummer.

What pests commonly affect anubias plants outdoors?

Watch for aphids, spider mites, scale and mealybugs. Control them with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap sprays or other organic treatments.

How do I propagate new anubis plants for outdoors?

Divide congested clumps in spring. Root stem cuttings in potting mix. Offsets that form on the rhizome can also be removed and replanted when large enough.