The Anubias is a beginner’s favorite because it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance, besides benefitting from an occasional trim. These hardy plants can be found in the rivers and streams of central and western Africa—and there are many different types of Anubias to choose from, with some being small and others larger. A few varieties are Anubias nana, Anubias gigantea, Anubias barteri, and Anubias heterophylla.
You can grow Anubias at the surface of the water with its leaves sticking out, or underneath it. However, when completely submerged underwater while in direct sunlight, it’s prone to developing algae on its leaves. You want to avoid any hindrances to the development of this plant as it grows very slowly, with about one new leaf a month. Low to moderate light is all this plant needs to grow and stay algae-free.
These plants may have caught your attention at the fish store or a friend’s house. If you have any hesitation about adding them to your tank, we’re here to help you ease any concerns.
The Anubias has large, thick, waxy, green leaves—a perfect paradise for your fish to swim through and hide in. Some types of Anubias plants, such as the Anubias Nana, have smaller leaves, while the Anubias Afzelii has leaves that can grow as large as 12 inches. The shape, size, and color of the leaves vary from one Anubias plant type to the other. The type of Anubias you choose will depend on the size of your tank.
Anubias aren’t only desired for their big, green leaves but also for their attractive flowers that display colors of yellow or white when they bloom every few months. The flowers only last a few months, so make sure you show them off while they’re in full bloom. The flowers can survive outside the water or when submerged. If you love Lilies, you’re going to love the Anubias flowers!
Anubias are rhizome plants, another aspect that makes these plants so easy to maintain and grow. The leaves and roots come from the rhizome, with the leaves growing up and the roots, downwards, attaching to rocks and driftwood.
Anubias are a popular aquatic plant known for their beautiful broad leaves and easy care. But like any plant, they need the right soil and substrate to really thrive. Choosing the perfect soil for anubias can seem complicated at first, but follow this guide and you’ll have happy, healthy plants in no time!
Just to refresh, anubias are a genus of tropical aquatic plants native to Africa. They grow slowly and don’t require special lighting or CO2 supplementation like some other aquarium plants. This makes them perfect for beginner aquarists!
Anubias can grow fully submerged or partially above the water. They propagate by shooting out horizontal rhizomes from the base. Some species have broad, dark green leaves while others have slender spear-shaped foliage. Their hardiness and exotic look make them a staple aquascape plant.
Why Soil Matters for Anubias
Soil provides nutrients, anchors the roots, and creates the ideal chemical environment for plants Anubias are heavy root feeders that absorb a lot of minerals through their roots and rhizomes Without nutrient-rich soil, they will fail to thrive and grow.
The right soil also provides structure and stability for the root system. Anubias have relatively delicate roots that can easily become unanchored and damaged if the substrate shifts too much.
Finally, aquatic soils help maintain the specific pH and water chemistry that anubias need. Things like hardness and dissolved organics are kept in balance.
Key Soil Properties to Consider
When shopping for anubias soil, keep an eye out for these key factors
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Nutrient levels – Seek out soil with high nitrogen, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients. This provides steady fertilization.
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Cation exchange capacity – Soils with high CEC bind and release minerals over time. This prevents nutrient deficiencies.
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Buffer capacity – Buffers stabilize pH between 6-7, the ideal range for anubias growth.
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Grain size – Smaller grains compact less and allow better water flow and root growth.
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Organic matter – Look for 10-20% organic material, which contributes beneficial humic acids.
Best Soil Types for Anubias Plants
With the basics covered, let’s explore some specific soil options that work great for anubias:
Aquatic Plant Soil
Specialized aquatic soils are formulated with anubias in mind. They release nutrients slowly, contain clay for CEC, and have a liming agent to regulate pH. Popular brands like Fluval and ADA Aqua Soil are ideal.
Pond Soil
Soils made for pond plants share similar properties with aquarium plant soil. They tend to have a higher organic content and looser texture. Just be sure to rinse well before using.
Coconut Coir
Coir makes an excellent additive to boost soil nutrition and structure. Mix in up to 30% with your base soil. The high CEC of coir helps retain minerals.
Peat Moss
Peat lowers pH which helps anubias access nutrients. It also provides organic acids and improves moisture retention. Limit to 10-20% of total mix.
Sand & Gravel
While inert substrates like sand and gravel provide no nutrients, they can be mixed with soil to improve aeration and anchoring. Keep the ratio below 50%.
How to Plant & Care for Anubias
Once you’ve chosen the right soil, planting and caring for anubias is straightforward:
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Thoroughly rinse the soil before adding it to your tank to remove dust.
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Use at least 2-3 inches of soil and slope it upwards toward the back for a natural look.
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Plant anubias with the rhizome above the substrate and the roots buried.
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Allow room between plants for the broad leaves to spread out.
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Use aquascaping materials like rocks or wood to naturally anchor plants.
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Perform 10-20% weekly water changes and remove any rotting plant matter.
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Supplement with liquid fertilizer if you notice any nutrient deficiencies.
Ready to Give Your Anubias the Perfect Soil Environment?
Hopefully this guide has removed some of the guesswork from choosing the ideal anubias soil. Focus on soils with balanced nutrition, stable pH buffering, and a porous texture. Combining specialty aquatic soil with amendments like peat or coconut coir can give your plants the best start.
Water temp & pH
Anubias come from the tropical waters of Africa and need those same warm conditions in their tank to thrive. A comfortable water temperature for these plants is between 72–82 °F with a pH level of 6.0–7.5, but they can survive at higher and lower pH levels too. Anubias can grow in both standing and running water, although they prefer running water.
Anubias plants get most of the nutrients they need from the water they live in, as well as the sun, and don’t require a substrate. They grow well when secured to rocks, driftwood, and other elements in the tank or pond. The substrate can help secure the plant, however, the rhizome should never be buried under it.
Anubias plants are happy to share their environment with any other aquarium plant as long as there is enough space and resources to go around. If you submerge your Anubias, you can add floating plants to the empty space above it, which will provide more shade.
Anubias plants are found naturally in shaded rivers and will thrive in both low to moderate-light tank conditions. Letting too much light in will cause algae to grow on their leaves which will end up robbing the plant and harming it.
Filtration isn’t necessary for an Anubias plant to thrive. However, they can also do well in tanks that have them if they’re secured to rocks or other items in the tank.
You should never secure an Anubias plant by burying its rhizome as it’ll suffocate and die. However, these plants cannot be left floating around the tank either. You can secure Anubias plants down onto rocks and driftwood until their roots attach naturally by using plant-safe super glue, plant weights, or fishing line.
You can plant the Anubias plant completely submerged under the water, or on the surface of the water, with its leaves sticking out of the surface.
To have the best results out of all of the Anubias plants in your tanks, make sure they’re a couple of inches away from each other. Otherwise, they may suck up all the nutrients, leaving their closest companion to die. These plants may enjoy shaded areas, but they still need light to photosynthesize. Make sure they’ve got enough light reaching them without any large objects in the way.
Depending on how tall your Anubias plant species is will determine your placement. Shorter plants will do well near the front or middle of the tank, while tall Anubias plants should be placed at the back to not block the view of the rest of the tank and its occupants.
Provides shelter
Fish have many predators in the wild and may still feel the need to hide in tanks. The shelter can protect young fish that are small and can easily be swallowed by bigger fish. Adding big plants to hide in replicates the natural environment of a fish, and Anubias plants can provide fish with rest, protection from the light/sun, enjoyment through exploring, and privacy.
Anubias Plant Care for Beginners
FAQ
What is the best soil for Anubias?
What are the tips for growing Anubias?
What does Anubias need to survive?
Do Anubias roots need to be buried?
Do Anubias need soil?
Anubias plants don’t need soil to grow or thrive. More specifically, they don’t need to be anchored in the soil. That’s the beauty of this species. By the way, many newbie aquarists accidentally kill their first Anubias through improper planting. So, it’s safer to just anchor this plant to decorations in the tank.
Can Anubias grow in an aquarium?
Remember, Anubias plants are pretty chill. They don’t rush to grow, and they’re not very fussy. So, just a little care here and there, and they’ll be happy in your aquarium. Time to learn about making more Anubias plants! There are a few ways to do it. Take the plant out of the water gently. Look for the thick part called the rhizome.
Are Anubias easy to care for?
Anubias is a very versatile plant that’s extremely easy to care for. It comes in an innumerable amount of varieties with distinct size, shape, and color. It’s no wonder why it’s such a popular plant among aquarists!
Does Anubias need a substrate?
Substrate: Anubias doesn’t require a nutrient-rich substrate like some other aquatic plants. Instead, it can be anchored to aquarium decor, driftwood, or rocks. You can use dark thread or super glue to secure it. After a while, the plant will root into the hardscape naturally.