Anubias: The Ultimate Care Guide for Beginners and Experts

Table of contents

• Facts and Overview
• Appearance and Size
• Benefits in the Aquarium
• Compatible Tank Mates
• Tank Conditions and Requirements
• Tank Placement and Aquascaping
• How to Plant Anubias in the Aquarium
• Care and Growing Guide

Facts and Overview

Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants native to tropical regions of Africa. Known for their durability and ability to thrive in low light, these plants are popular in both beginner and advanced aquarium setups. They belong to the Araceae family and are commonly found growing along riverbanks or submerged in slow-moving waters.

Anubias species are valued for their versatility, as they can grow either fully submerged or partially above water in paludarium-style tanks. The most common species include Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, and Anubias coffeefolia. These plants are slow-growing but extremely resilient, making them ideal for a wide variety of aquascapes.

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Appearance and Size

Anubias plants are characterized by their thick, dark green leaves that grow in various shapes and sizes depending on the species. The leaves are usually broad and oval-shaped, with a leathery texture that gives the plant a robust appearance. Anubias nana, one of the most popular species, has smaller leaves and a more compact growth pattern, making it a great foreground plant.

Larger species like Anubias barteri can reach heights of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), while smaller varieties such as Anubias nana remain under 5 inches (12 cm) tall. Their rhizomes, which are thick and strong, are the core of the plant’s structure. These plants grow slowly, but once established, they can live for many years.

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Benefits in Aquarium

Anubias offers several benefits to your aquarium ecosystem:

• Low maintenance: Its hardy nature means it can thrive in a wide range of conditions, making it perfect for beginners.
• Algae prevention: Due to its slow growth, it doesn’t outcompete other plants for nutrients, but its large leaves can host beneficial algae that provide food for some aquarium species.
• Oxygenation: Like all plants, Anubias contributes to oxygen production, enhancing water quality and creating a healthier environment for fish and invertebrates.
• Versatility: It can grow in both fully submerged and partially submerged environments, giving flexibility for various tank setups.
• Shelter: Its broad leaves provide shelter for small fish and invertebrates, offering a safe hiding place.

Additionally, various species such as Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, Anubias gracilis, Anubias angustifolia, and Anubias petite offer diverse options for aquarists, each with unique characteristics suited to different aquarium setups.

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Compatible Tank Mates

Anubias is compatible with a wide range of freshwater species. Its tough leaves make it less appealing to herbivorous fish that might otherwise nibble on more delicate plants. Some ideal tank mates include:

• Small to medium fish: Tetras, guppies, mollies, and bettas.
• Bottom dwellers: Corydoras, loaches, and plecos, which can benefit from the plant’s root structure for hiding.
• Shrimp: Especially dwarf shrimp, which enjoy grazing on biofilm and algae that may grow on the leaves.
• Snails: These scavengers will help keep the leaves clean by feeding on algae.

Avoid large herbivorous fish like goldfish or certain cichlids, as they may still attempt to bite or uproot the plant, despite its toughness.

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Tank Conditions and Requirements

Anubias is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tank conditions. Here are the ideal parameters for growing it successfully:

• Water Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3-8 dGH)
• Lighting: Low to moderate. Anubias can survive in low light conditions, making it perfect for shaded areas of the tank or setups without intense lighting.
• Substrate: While Anubias doesn’t require a nutrient-rich substrate since its roots absorb nutrients directly from the water, a good substrate will still support its growth.

It’s essential not to bury the rhizome in the substrate, as this can cause the plant to rot.

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Tank Placement and Aquascaping

Anubias is incredibly versatile when it comes to tank placement and aquascaping. Since it doesn’t require much light, it’s perfect for placing in shaded areas, such as under driftwood or other plants. Its slow-growing nature makes it a great background or mid-ground plant, though smaller species like Anubias nana can be used in the foreground.

For aquascaping, you can attach Anubias to hardscapes like rocks, driftwood, or other decorations using fishing line or aquarium-safe glue. The roots will naturally wrap around the surfaces over time, creating a natural and cohesive look. It’s also a great choice for paludariums or terrariums, as it can grow emersed (partially above water) and maintain its health.

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How to Plant Anubias in the Aquarium

When planting Anubias in the aquarium, it’s important to note that the rhizome (the thick horizontal root) should not be buried in the substrate, as this can lead to rotting. Instead, you can:

• Attach to hardscapes: Use fishing line, cotton thread, or aquarium-safe glue to attach Anubias to rocks or driftwood. Eventually, the roots will secure themselves to the surface.
• Place in substrate carefully: If you prefer to plant it in the substrate, ensure only the roots are buried, and the rhizome stays above the surface.

Because of its hardy nature, Anubias is forgiving of mistakes, but keeping the rhizome above the substrate is key to its long-term success.

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Care and Growing Guide,

Anubias is another hardy plant that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists. While it is quite low-maintenance, providing the right conditions will ensure it thrives and maintains its lush appearance.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for Anubias:

1. Lighting Requirements

Anubias is a low-light plant and, like Java Fern, doesn’t require intense lighting to grow. In fact, too much light can encourage algae growth on its broad leaves, which may affect its health.
Optimal Light Level: Low to moderate lighting (around 0.5 to 1.5 watts per gallon) works best for Anubias. In setups with high-intensity lighting, it’s a good idea to position Anubias in a shaded area or near decorations to reduce direct exposure.
Photoperiod: Aim for 6–8 hours of light per day. Keeping lighting consistent helps prevent algae while allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently.

2. Water Conditions

Anubias is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. However, stable water quality is crucial for its long-term health.
Temperature: Anubias grows well in temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22-28°C), making it ideal for tropical freshwater tanks.
pH Range: It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5, although it can handle more alkaline conditions if needed.
Water Hardness: Anubias thrives in soft to moderately hard water, but its tolerance for different levels of hardness makes it versatile.

3. Fertilization

Though Anubias is not nutrient-hungry, occasional fertilization will support its growth, especially in tanks with low nutrient levels. Like Java Fern, Anubias absorbs nutrients from the water column.
Liquid Fertilizers: Use liquid fertilizers that contain essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and trace elements, to encourage healthy growth. Apply once a week in nutrient-poor environments.
CO2: CO2 is not required for Anubias, but like most plants, it will grow more rapidly with CO2 supplementation. However, in low-tech setups, it still thrives without any CO2 injection.

4. Pruning and Propagation

Although Anubias is a slow-growing plant, it still benefits from occasional maintenance.
Pruning: Trim off yellowing or damaged leaves at their base to encourage new growth. Avoid cutting too many leaves at once to prevent stressing the plant.
Propagation: Anubias propagates through rhizome division. When the rhizome grows large enough, you can carefully divide it into smaller sections. Ensure each piece has a few leaves, and replant them by attaching to driftwood or rocks, keeping the rhizome above the substrate to avoid rot.

5. Common Issues

Anubias is generally resilient, but there are a few potential issues to watch out for:
Algae Growth: Algae may form on the plant’s broad leaves if lighting is too intense. To prevent this, reduce the light duration or add algae-eating tank mates like shrimp or snails.
Black Spots on Leaves: If you notice black spots, these could be natural reproductive spores. However, larger black patches could indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly potassium. Address this by adding a potassium-based liquid fertilizer.
Leaf Melting: Occasionally, newly introduced plants may experience “leaf melt,” where the leaves turn brown or translucent. This is usually due to stress from adapting to new water conditions, but the plant will recover as long as the rhizome is healthy.

6. General Tips for Success

Don’t Bury the Rhizome: Like Java Fern, Anubias must have its rhizome above the substrate to prevent it from rotting. Attach the rhizome to hardscape like rocks or driftwood for the best results.
Patience is Key: Anubias grows slowly, so don’t expect rapid growth. With steady care, it will develop into a beautiful, hardy feature in your aquarium.
Ideal for Low-Tech Tanks: Anubias thrives in low-tech tanks with minimal equipment. It’s perfect for aquariums that don’t use high-end lighting, CO2 injection, or specialized substrates, yet still want a lush and healthy plant.

Anubias is an incredibly versatile and resilient plant that makes an excellent addition to any aquarium, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist. Its low maintenance requirements, paired with its ability to thrive in low light and its compatibility with a wide range of tank mates, make it a favorite for creating beautiful aquascapes. Whether you’re aiming for a natural, lush look or just want to enhance the health and balance of your aquarium, Anubias is a plant you can rely on. With proper care and the right conditions, it can thrive for years, bringing both beauty and functionality to your tank.