If you are new to the world of home aquariums, then chances are you have encountered how to grow anubias at some point.
Known for its broad leaves, vibrant color, and countless benefits – this aquatic plant is a must-have for any novice aquarian, as it doesn’t require special care and can thrive in aquariums with limited heat and light.
However, this does not mean that there isn’t a skill to planting anubias in your tank.
In the article below, we will teach you how to grow anubias, while also explaining care and maintenance.
Overview
Because of its low maintenance, anubias can be planted in most aquatic environments and don’t require special care or conservation.
To learn more about the specifics of this aquatic plant, you can take a look at the table in the section below:
| Tank size | N/A |
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Middle-back |
| Temp | 71.5 – 83 (F) / 22-28 (C) |
| PH levels | 6 – 8 |
If you want more information about how to plant anubias and take care of them, you can follow the next section.
What Are Anubias?
Otherwise known as anubias barteri, this aquatic plant is considered to be one of the best for home aquariums.
Since the species requires little maintenance, it can be planted in most aquatic environments and will even thrive in dark or cold aquariums.
Anubias can be identified by its broad leaves, which are used by various fish as a source of food and shelter. The plant even comes in dwarf varieties for smaller tanks.
But how do you plant anubias? We have outlined this process in the following section, which encompasses all the information you need to know.
How To Plant & Grow Anubias?
As mentioned before, anubias remains a firm favorite with new and experienced aquarists, as it can be stored in aquariums without substrate.
In contrast to other aquatic plants, anubias can absorb nutrients through its leaves, which means it can thrive once its roots have been exposed. Because of this, anubias will need to be attached to wood or porous rocks to remain in place.
Once the roots have come into contact with the material, they will start to fuse to the surface, which will make them difficult to remove.
If you don’t want to complete this process on your own, it is possible to purchase anubias that have already been attached to the rock or wood.
Care Guide
In the section above, we specified that anubias do not require special care, as most species can thrive in diverse climates and environments.
Lights
When it comes to aquarium lights, we would recommend avoiding strong bulbs, as these can discolor anubias and promote algae.
Because of this, anubias are an ideal choice for novice planters and low-tech aquariums, as the species can thrive in dark water and sparse environments. It is even possible to fill the aquarium with floating plants to cloud strong light.
Growth
Once you have planted the anubias, there isn’t much else that you need to do, as the plant should start to thrive on its own.
During this time, you will need to remove dead leaves and prune the plant when necessary, as this will allow it to thrive.
In most cases, anubias will begin to sprout new leaves in the first few weeks, which can even result in the development of white flowers that will begin to bloom under the surface.
Propagation
When it comes to propagation, you won’t have to wait for the flowers to bloom to collect the seeds.
Instead, you can divide the rhizome once it has reached a sufficient size.
Once the rhizome has been separated, both pieces should continue to grow at a constant rate, which means it is possible to replant the specimens or sell them to other aquarists who are in need of aquatic plants.
Salt Grade
Because of its hardy nature, anubia is able to tolerate a salt grade of around 1.005, which makes it a great choice for low-end aquariums.
This is because anubias is a robust species that can thrive in a diverse range of climates, which means it can tolerate dark and brackish conditions.
Tankmates
As we mentioned earlier, anubias is a tolerant species that is compatible with most fish and aquatic creatures.
Anubias can be housed in most aquariums without issue, as the plant does not pose any immediate threat to its tankmates.
In fact, the broad leaves can be used as a source of food and shelter for small fish and invertebrates, which can also reduce the algae and other aquatic bacteria.
In some cases, anubias has even been known to produce edible plant matter, which is both safe and nutritious for goldfish and cichlids. However, most fish will leave the plant alone because of its hard leaves.
What Problems Come With Anubias?
While most anubias can be left without concern, there are some problems that you could face while dealing with this plant.
For example, anubias does not like to be exposed to strong light, as this could discolor the leaves and promote bacteria.
If you notice these side effects, then the plant will need to be moved to a shaded area in the aquarium. It is even possible to purchase low-light plants to subdue the harsh conditions.
If the plant continues to die, then this could mean that you have purchased an anubias that has grown emersed, which means it has never been submerged.
In most cases, aquatic plants will be able to grow in and out of the water, however, some species can evolve to either location depending on their growth.
Fortunately, this problem should solve itself, as the anubias will begin to adapt to its new environment.
Where Can Your Purchase Anubias?
In most cases, you should be able to purchase anubias from your local pet or aquarium store, which should offer several varieties.
For example, dwarf anubias is a great choice for small tanks and beginners, as it requires less space and care than its normal counterpart.
Final Thoughts
Because of its robust and versatile nature, anubias has become a popular choice among aquarists, as it is easy to look after and can thrive in most environments.
While there are some things to consider, the plant can be left to its own devices without the concern of risk or harm.
He has a track record of research and thesis writing and previously moderated courses on Coursera. His broad knowledge spans biology, zoology, immunology, hematology, physiology, ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Aleem's expertise, research dedication, and effective communication make him an invaluable resource for those seeking knowledge and support in biology.
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