Anubias melt, rot is caused by stress to the plants, which can be caused by a number of factors, including:
By addressing these factors and maintaining stable water conditions, you can prevent Anubias melt and ensure the health of your Anubias plants.
Anubias are a popular genus of aquatic plants often kept in home aquariums. With their broad, shapely leaves and undemanding growth habits, it’s easy to see why they’re a favorite among aquarists. However, even hardy plants like anubias can develop fungal or bacterial rot under certain conditions. If left unchecked, rot can spread throughout the plant, eventually killing it.
Fortunately rot in anubias plants is avoidable and treatable if caught early. By understanding what causes rot and how to prevent it you can keep your anubias healthy and thriving for years to come. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of anubias rot and give you proven tips to avoid it.
What Causes Rot in Anubias Plants?
Several factors can contribute to the development of rot in anubias plants:
Improper Rhizome Placement
The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem from which anubias leaves and roots grow. It’s crucial that at least part of the rhizome is exposed above the substrate. Burying it completely blocks oxygen circulation, creating an environment ripe for fungal or bacterial rot.
Poor Water Quality
Excess nutrients like nitrate and phosphate encourage algae growth and decrease oxygen levels – perfect conditions for rot-causing pathogens Poor water circulation also leads to zones of low oxygen Test your water regularly and perform water changes to keep levels in check.
Low Light
While they tolerate low light, too little illumination can weaken an anubias over time. The lower leaves fail to photosynthesize sufficiently, eventually wilting and rotting away. Make sure your anubias gets consistent medium lighting.
Physical Damage
Accidental damage to leaves or the rhizome gives bacteria and fungi an easy doorway into plant tissues Careful handling and pruning of damaged portions prevents infections from taking hold
Improper Fertilization
Overdosing liquid fertilizers or using poor quality substrates with excessive nutrient release encourages algae and decreases oxygen – leading to rot. Use controlled-release root tabs instead of liquid ferts.
High Organic Waste
As fish and plant matter decompose, bacteria populations boom. This decomposition process depletes oxygen as well. Regular gravel vacuuming removes organics before they can accumulate.
Poor Water Circulation
Areas of low flow invariably become depleted of oxygen. This allows fungus and anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Use powerheads and air stones to keep the entire tank well circulated.
8 Ways to Prevent Anubias Rot
Now that you know what causes rot, here are proven methods to keep your anubias healthy and prevent infections:
1. Expose the Rhizome
Make sure at least the top half of the rhizome is above the substrate, allowing oxygen to reach it. Tie or glue the anubias to decor instead of planting in gravel.
2. Test and Change Water Regularly
Use an aquarium test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate. Perform 25% weekly water changes to reset levels before they get too high.
3. Provide Consistent Medium Lighting
Anubias grow best with moderate lighting – low to medium intensity for 8-10 hours daily. This prevents both excessive and insufficient photosynthesis.
4. Handle with Care
Avoid crushing or tearing leaves and rhizomes when planting or moving anubias. Carefully prune away any damaged portions with sterilized scissors.
5. Use Root Tabs, Not Liquid Ferts
Root tabs release nutrients slowly from the substrate, avoiding dangerous spikes. Liquid ferts can easily overdose and fuel algae blooms.
6. Clean Gravel to Remove Organics
Use a gravel vacuum weekly to siphon away fish waste, uneaten food, and dead plant debris before it decomposes.
7. Improve Water Circulation
Strategically place powerheads and air stones to gently circulate water in all tank areas. Surface agitation improves oxygen exchange as well.
8. Quarantine New Plants
Isolate new plants in a separate tank for a few weeks before adding to your main aquascape. This prevents introduction of pathogens and pests.
Treating Early Stages of Anubias Rot
If you notice the beginning stages of rot – indicated by small spots of softened rhizome or leaf decay – immediate treatment can save the plant:
-
Prune away all visibly infected portions of leaves and rhizome with sterilized scissors. Remove any mushy roots as well.
-
Do a large 50% water change and vacuum the gravel to reset water parameters.
-
Increase water circulation around the anubias with extra powerheads or air stones.
-
Treat the tank with an anti-fungal medication like erythromycin to kill remaining pathogens.
-
Decrease lighting duration to 6 hours per day until the anubias recovers. Excess light stresses infected plants further.
-
Increase fertilization using root tabs pushed deep into the substrate near the anubias. This provides extra nutrients for recovery.
-
Test water parameters weekly and perform extra water changes anytime ammonia or nitrites are above zero.
When to Toss Anubias with Severe Rot
If the rot has progressed too far, the anubias may be unsalvageable. Signs of severe, untreatable rot include:
-
Entire leaves melting into mush or large patches of rhizome tissue turning to jelly.
-
A foul, rotten odor coming from the decaying plant matter.
-
White fungal tufts growing from the rotted areas.
-
The rhizome so weakened that leaves detach with the slightest touch.
At this stage, the pathogens have overwhelmed the plant’s defenses. Remove and discard severely infected anubias so the rot doesn’t spread. Sterilize any tools used on diseased plants before using on healthy plants.
Prevent Recurrence By Finding the Cause
The tips above stop an existing case of rot, but preventing future outbreaks means finding and addressing the initial cause.
Review each potential cause of rot outlined earlier. Test your water parameters, assess fertilization programs, examine lighting duration and intensity, and inspect filters and powerheads. Identify and correct the underlying environmental or care issue that triggered the infection.
Anubias Are Tough Plants When Conditions Are Right
While no aquarium plant is 100% immune to rot, anubias are notoriously hardy when provided with proper care. Following the prevention tips outlined in this article will help ensure your anubias stays lush and healthy for years on end. Be vigilant for early signs of trouble and address any issues before they progress.
With just a little knowledge and effort, you can avoid the frustration of losing plants to preventable diseases like rot. Your beautiful aquascape will thrive when built on a foundation of optimal plant care. Give your anubias the environment they need, and they’ll amply reward you with graceful, deep green foliage.
k
ANUBIAS ROT: What it is and How to treat it
FAQ
Why do Anubias rot?
How do you keep Anubias healthy?
How do you save a dying Anubias?
How do you know if Anubias is rotting?
The base of the leaf stalk may feel soggy or have a little bit of goo oozing out of the end. The discolored leaves on this anubias plant are growing from the rotting part of the anubias’ rhizome. The most prominent indicator of anubias rot is the state of the rhizome. A healthy rhizome should be very firm to the touch and green in color.
Why are my Anubias leaves discolored?
The discolored leaves on this anubias plant are growing from the rotting part of the anubias’ rhizome. The most prominent indicator of anubias rot is the state of the rhizome. A healthy rhizome should be very firm to the touch and green in color. An infected rhizome often has a mushy or squishy texture.
What causes Anubias rot?
Researchers have yet to find a definitive cause for anubias rot. Current theories are that it’s caused by a bacteria or fungus, but it’s hard to determine since sometimes the plant is weakened by an initial infection and then a secondary pathogen takes advantage of the situation.
How do I get rid of Anubias rot?
We personally have done extensive testing with antibiotic and antifungal medications over the span of several weeks and months but haven’t seen any healing (or spreading) of the anubias rot. The best remedy so far is to cut off the soggy or discolored rhizome using a sharp knife or scissors.