Let me guess: Anubias was one of the first plants you added to your very first aquarium?
You’re not the only one! Anubias is a favored choice among aquarium enthusiasts and aquascapers. Known for their unique leaf structures and slow growth rate, Anubias plants add a touch of elegance to any underwater setup. Moreover, there are so many varieties of Anubias on the market that there is something for everyone and for every aquascape. In this blog post, I will delve into the care of different Anubias species including large variants like Anubias gigantea and small ones such as Anubias afzelii. We’ll explore the optimal growing conditions these plants require for healthy development – from water quality to light tolerance levels and discuss the correct propagation techniques for achieving best results with your Anubias plants,
Anubias are a popular choice for aquarium plants, known for their broad, lush leaves and undemanding nature. However, their growth habits can seem confusing, especially for beginners. This comprehensive guide breaks down the various life stages of anubias to help you understand what to expect as your plants progress from sprouting to maturity.
Anubias Growth Stages
Anubias progresses through three main phases as it advances from a germinated seed to a fully developed plant.
Germination Stage
This initial stage starts when an anubias seed sprouts. The first signs of life emerge as a small green shoot pokes out from the seed casing Tiny root filaments also form. This emerging plant is delicate and must be kept in very clean, still water with mild lighting This stage lasts 1-2 weeks.
Seedling Stage
Once sprouted, the young anubias is considered a seedling. It has a rudimentary rhizome and small leaves. The seedling continues developing thicker roots and additional leaves during this stage. Slow but steady growth occurs over 2-3 months. Proper lighting and nutrients are necessary.
Maturation Stage
In the maturation stage, the juvenile anubias plant transitions to an adult form. The rhizome thickens and lengthens. Larger, broader leaves unfurl. An extensive root system anchors the plant. Growth rate increases compared to the seedling stage. Ideal conditions lead to flowering in 6-12 months. Plants reach peak size and flower production as they fully mature.
Factors That Influence Growth
Several elements play key roles in determining how well anubias plants progress through their life cycle:
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Lighting – Moderate light levels are ideal. Low light slows growth. Excess light damages plants.
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Temperature – Warm water from 72°F to 82°F (22°C – 28°C) is optimal. Avoid extreme cold or heat.
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Nutrients – Use root tabs or diluted liquid fertilizers to provide nutrients if needed.
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Water Quality – Anubias thrive in clean well-filtered water with minimal pollutants.
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Pruning – Removing old or damaged leaves encourages new growth.
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Division – Splitting mature plants promotes growth and creates new plants.
Caring for Anubias at Each Growth Stage
Tailoring care to match the plant’s stage of development is key to success. Follow these tips:
Germination:
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Use propagation boxes to start seeds.
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Keep water clean and stagnant.
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Provide low to moderate light level.
Seedling:
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Gradually introduce to aquarium or pond.
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Increase light duration and intensity.
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Add supplemental CO2 if needed.
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Provide root tabs or liquid fertilizer.
Maturation:
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Maintain ideal water parameters.
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Prune regularly to encourage new leaves.
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Divide congested plants to stimulate growth.
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Reduce light if algae develops on leaves.
Troubleshooting Anubias Growth Issues
If your anubias plants exhibit problems reaching their next growth phase, assess the following:
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Is the rhizome buried? It should remain uncovered.
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Does lighting need adjusting for the stage of growth?
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Are nutrients being provided if needed?
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Is the water excessively dirty or stagnant?
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Is the temperature within the optimal range?
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Are there signs of pests, disease, or damage?
Let Your Anubias Thrive
Now that you understand the phases of anubias growth and how to care for them properly as they progress, you can look forward to watching your plants flourish. With a little attentive care tailored to each stage of development, you’ll be rewarded with vigorous, healthy anubias specimens.
How to grow and care for Anubias
Anubias plants are the perfect addition to any aquarium, but to keep them healthy, you need to provide the right growing conditions. Here are some of my personal tips to improve the health of your Anubias aquarium plants.
Tip #1: water quality matters
Clean water is essential for healthy Anubias plants, in fact it’s important for ALL aquarium plants! So keep organic waste levels low by doing regular water changes and using an efficient filtration system. This will not only keep your tank looking great but also prevent harmful algae from taking over. This is especially important for Anubias because it’s a slow growing plant and thus more likely to get algae! Here are some “specs” that apply to most varieties of Anubias, but be sure to check the requirements of the specific variety you want to add to your aquascape:
- Temperature range: 22°- 30° Celsius
- PH range : 6 – 8
- GH range : 4 – 30
- Light: low / medium
Tip #2: lighting is key
An important aspect of helping your anubias grow is providing it with appropriate lighting conditions. As these are low-light plants native to shaded areas in nature, they do not require intense light in aquarium settings either. In fact, too much light can lead to unwanted algae growth on the organic material of their leaves.
If you notice green spots appearing on your plant’s leaves (GSA or “Green Spot Algae”), consider reducing exposure time or intensity until conditions improve. Remember that unlike huge Amazon sword plants, which thrive under strong light, most varieties extract carbon ineffectively due to their slower metabolism rates. It may seem counterintuitive, but placing Anubias towards darker sections within aquascapes often results in healthier specimens since they’re less likely exposed excessively against harmful algal blooms while still receiving adequate amounts of necessary nutrients through the water column itself provided by regular maintenance routines.
Tip #3: fertilizing and CO2
This is a question I get regularly: are fertilizers and CO2 injection really necessary for Anubias? The answer is: yes and no. No, because the plant is a really slow grower and not very demanding, it should be perfectly able to survive with low levels of carbon dioxide and nutrients in the water column.
However, if you want your Anubias – and any other aquarium plant in your tank – to thrive and go crazy then I recommend giving them the nutrients they need. For this you could use my All-in-One aquarium fertilizer which uses a great mix of trace elements and NPK for a complete dose. Injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into your aquarium is also not really necessary but it CAN do wonders for your Anubias plants. The CO2 injection enhances their robustness against algae and significantly increases growth rates. It’s like giving them a shot of espresso Be sure to check out my complete CO2 kit to easily add CO2 to your tank.
PS: have you noticed pale or yellow leaves on your Anubias? Then you probably have a nutrient defiiciency!
Understanding the Anubias aquarium plant species
Originating from West Africa, Anubias is known for their lush green leaves and hardy nature. This aquarium plant species come from regions with varying climates, ranging from rainforests to savannas. This diversity contributes to their adaptability in different aquarium conditions. There are many variants of Anubias, from very large to medium-sized and nano variants. Here’s a quick overview:
Large variants of Anubias
- Anbuias gigantea
- Anubias barteri
These bigger variants make excellent centerpieces due to their size and striking appearance. They’re perfect for creating depth and contrast in your aquascape.
Medium-Sized Variants of Anubias
- Anubias barteri
- Anubias petite
- Anubias frazeri
- Anubias coffeefolia
- Anubias congensis
- Anubias longifolia
- Anubias hastifolia
These medium-sized variants of Anubias are popular among aquarists due to its versatility and ease-of-care. The offer a delicate beauty with their compact form and unique leaf shapes
Small to nano variants of Anubias
Moving towards the smaller end, we have
- Anubias nana ‘Pangolino”
- Anubias nana “Chilli”
- Anubias bonsai
These tiny gems can add intricate detail to any aquatic layout. There’s also an array of variegated versions available on the market which bring a pop of color into your underwater garden.
Anubias Plant Care for Beginners
FAQ
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