How to Grow Anubias
Anubias
Anubias barteri
aquatic plantAnubias is a tropical aquatic plant native to West Africa, characterized by thick, leathery dark green leaves and a rhizomatous growth habit. It is an extremely hardy and low-maintenance plant that thrives in both freshwater aquariums and paludariums. Unlike most aquatic plants, Anubias is a slow-growing plant that can live for many years with minimal care.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly planted Anubias with intact rhizome and existing leaves; may appear dormant for 2-4 weeks as it acclimates
Secure rhizome firmly to rock or driftwood using fishing line or plant glue. Maintain stable water conditions and avoid sudden changes. Do not fertilize aggressively initially
Early Growth
4-8 weeksSmall new leaves begin to unfurl from the rhizome; plant shows signs of acclimation and active growth
Begin light fertilization with all-in-one or macronutrient fertilizers. Ensure adequate lighting (8+ hours daily). Watch for algae on leaves and remove debris gently
Vegetative Growth
2-6 monthsPlant develops more leaves (typically 4-8 per shoot); rhizome may begin branching to form new growth points
Continue regular fertilization weekly. Maintain water temperature 72-82°F. Perform weekly water changes. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves
Flowering
Sporadic; days to weeks when it occursMature plants may produce small white or pale yellow spathe flowers above water or submerged (rare in aquarium conditions)
Flowering rarely occurs in fully submerged conditions. If paludarium setup allows emersion, flowers may develop. No special care needed; is an aesthetic bonus
Mature Plant
Indefinite; yearsEstablished plant with multiple healthy shoots, dense foliage, and possibly divided rhizomes; slow but steady growth continues
Maintain consistent care regimen. Rhizome may be carefully divided if desired for propagation. Trim dead leaves. Fertilize regularly to support multiple shoots
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Caused by burying rhizome or poor water conditions. Ensure rhizome is above substrate. Improve water quality, increase water changes, and trim affected areas with sterile tools
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Reduce lighting duration or intensity. Perform regular water changes. Use algae-eating fish (Siamese Algae Eater, Amano Shrimp, otocinclus). Manually remove algae from leaves with soft brush
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Usually caused by drastic environmental changes. Acclimate slowly, maintain stable temperature and pH. Remove affected leaves and ensure good water circulation
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Primarily a concern in paludarium emersed setups. Increase humidity, isolate affected plants. In severe cases, use miticide safe for aquarium use
Uses
Aquarium & Paludarium Decoration
HouseholdAnubias is one of the most popular aquarium plants, valued for its attractive dark green leathery leaves and extremely hardy nature. It serves as both a living decoration and provides shelter and grazing surfaces for aquatic inhabitants. [source]
Fish Habitat & Grazing Surface
WildlifeThe plant provides shelter for fish fry, invertebrates, and shrimp while creating additional surface area for beneficial algae and biofilm that serve as natural food sources for many aquatic species. [source]
Water Filtration & Quality
HouseholdLike all aquatic plants, Anubias absorbs excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from the water column, helping to reduce algae growth and maintain water quality in established aquariums. [source]
Paludarium & Terrarium Design
CraftAnubias thrives in semi-aquatic paludariums and can survive brief periods of emersion, making it ideal for hybrid aquatic-terrestrial landscape designs and terrarium setups. [source]
Low-Maintenance Live Plant Care
HouseholdAnubias is ideal for beginners and low-tech aquariums because it grows slowly, requires minimal fertilization, thrives under standard lighting, and is nearly impossible to kill with proper basic care. [source]
Harvest Tips
Anubias is not harvested in the traditional sense. Propagate by dividing the rhizome: carefully separate portions using a sterile knife, ensuring each division has at least one growth point and leaf. Tie divisions to hardscape with fishing line until they anchor. Leaf trimming is maintenance-based; remove dead, yellowing, or heavily algae-covered leaves by cutting at the base
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Anubias is named after Anubis, the Egyptian god of the underworld, because of its dark, mysterious appearance and African origins—though the plant itself has no mystical properties, only exceptional resilience.
- 🌱 Unlike most aquatic stem plants, Anubias grows from a rhizome (similar to iris or ginger plants) and is technically not a true aquatic plant but rather a semi-aquatic aroid that naturally grows along riverbanks in West African rainforests.
- 🌱 Anubias can live in an aquarium for 10-20+ years with proper care, making it one of the longest-lived aquarium plants and a true investment for aquascapers and hobbyists seeking permanent living décor.
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