Overview
Because it is simple to maintain and only benefits from the odd pruning, the Anubias is a beginner’s favorite plant. There are several various types of Anubias to choose from, some being small and others larger, and they may be found in the rivers and streams of central and western Africa. Anubias nana, Anubias gigantea, Anubias barteri, and Anubias heterophylla are a few kinds.
Anubias can be grown either submerged or at the water’s surface with its leaves protruding. However, it is prone to producing algae on its leaves when entirely submerged underwater and in direct sunshine. This plant develops quite slowly, adding one new leaf every month, therefore you want to prevent anything that could slow down its growth. This plant only need low to moderate light to develop and avoid developing algae.
You may have noticed these plants at a friend’s house or the fish store. We’re here to assist you put your mind at ease if you’re unsure about putting them in your tank.
| Family Name: | Araceae |
| Common Name: | Anubias |
| Origin: | Central and western Africa |
| Color: | Green |
| Size: | 7.5 inches |
| Growth Rate: | Slow |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Lighting: | Low-moderate |
| Water Conditions: | 72–82ºF; pH 6–7.5 |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Supplements: | None |
| Placement: | Foreground, midground, and background with driftwood or rocks |
| Propagation: | Rhizome division |
| Compatibility: | Tropical freshwater tanks |
Anubias Appearance
Large, waxy, green leaves on the anubias make it the ideal haven for your fish to swim through and hide out in. The leaves of some Anubias plant varieties, including the Anubias Nana, are smaller than those of the Anubias Afzelii, whose leaves can reach a maximum size of 12 inches. The leaves of different types of Anubias plants differ in size, shape, and color. Your tank’s size will determine the sort of Anubias you select.
Anubias are prized not just for their large, lush leaves but also for their showy flowers, which bloom every few months and have hues of yellow or white. Since the flowers only bloom for a short time, be careful to display them when they are at their peak. The flowers can endure both being above and below water. You’ll adore the Anubias blooms if you like lilies!
Rhizome plants, like anubias, are another feature that makes these plants so simple to grow and care for. The rhizome is where the leaves and roots originate; the leaves grow upward, and the roots grow downward, clinging to rocks and driftwood.
Where to Find It?
Although anubias plants naturally occur throughout Africa, they are very accessible due to their extreme popularity. Any fish or pet store, no matter how big or little, is likely to carry a variety of Anubias. They are thankfully also reasonably priced.
Varieties of these plants can be purchased online, but they should be delivered right away and at a controlled temperature to avoid damage during transit. Before putting your Anubias plant in your fish tank, make sure to quarantine it for two weeks to prevent disease contamination. Keep in mind that during those two weeks of quarantine, you still need to give your Anubias plant the proper lighting, warmth, and filtration system.
General Care
Due to the large number of Anubias variants and the fact that this species grows slowly, there are few differences in the care requirements for each one, and all of them are hardy and simple to manage. The leaves of your Anubias plant will let you know when it isn’t performing well, though. Light-colored leaves with dark spots show that your plant is unhealthy and need additional attention.
The health of your Anubias and the other types of life kept in your tank depend on regular tank cleaning. The photosynthesis of your plant will be halted by dirty water since it will prevent enough light from reaching it. Cleaning the water will maintain nitrate levels by allowing light in and preventing pollution development.
Burying the rhizome of an anubias will result in the plant suffocating. These plants can be ordered in pots. If not, you can affix it to stones or driftwood until it eventually anchors itself to fragments in your tank.
The Anubias rhizome should be divided into two parts for propagation. As they recover, these halves will develop into fresh anubias plants.
Anubias plants, which develop slowly, should receive all the nutrients they require from the fish waste in the water, unlike many other plants that depend on fertilizers to supply the minerals they need for growth. You can add a little fertilizer if your plant is displaying deficiencies. However, be careful not to overuse it as this could result in an algal accumulation in the tank.
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Tank/aquarium size: There are Anubias plant types for practically every tank size, thanks to their wide variety. However, the smallest Anubias, the Anubias nana, will do best in a tank that is roughly 10 gallons in size. Your tank should be larger the larger your anubias. To effectively benefit from the nutrients it offers, the majority of Anubias varieties need to be planted a few inches apart at a depth of about 12 inches of water.
Water temperature and pH: Anubias are native to the warm, tropical waters of Africa, thus they require the same conditions in their tank to flourish. These plants like water that is between 72 and 82 °F and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, while they can tolerate both higher and lower pH values. Although they may grow in both standing and moving water, anubias prefer the latter.
Substrate: Anubias plants don’t need a substrate because they obtain most of the nutrients they need from the water they grow in and the sun. When fastened to rocks, driftwood, and other components in the tank or pond, they grow well. Although the substrate can aid in plant stability, the rhizome must never be buried beneath it.
Plants: As long as there is adequate room and support for everyone, anubias plants are happy to coexist in the same habitat as any other aquarium plant. Your Anubias will provide extra shade if you immerse them, and you can add floating plants to the empty area above them.
Anubias plants may grow in low- to moderate-light tank environments and are typically found in shaded rivers. If the leaves are exposed to too much light, algae will develop and drain the plant of its nutrients and destroy it.
Filtration: Anubias plants can survive without filtration. They can, however, thrive in tanks with them if they are fastened to rocks or other components of the tank.
Planting Tips
Never bury the rhizome of an Anubias plant to secure it; doing so will cause it to perish from suffocation. These plants, however, cannot be allowed to float aimlessly in the tank. Until their roots naturally adhere, Anubias plants can be anchored to rocks and driftwood using plant-safe super glue, plant weights, or fishing line.
The Anubias plant can be planted on the water’s surface with its leaves protruding or entirely immersed under the water.
Make sure that all of the Anubias plants in your tanks are a few inches apart from one another for the greatest results. If they don’t, they might consume all the nutrients, which would cause their closest friend to perish. Although these plants prefer dark places, they nevertheless require light for photosynthetic activity. Ensure that they receive adequate lighting without any heavy obstructions.
Your location will depend on how tall your Anubias plant species is. Tall Anubias plants should be placed at the back of the tank to not obstruct the view of the rest of the tank and its inhabitants, while shorter plants will thrive near the front or middle of the tank.
The 4 Benefits of Having Anubias in Your Aquarium
Provides oxygen and helps with filtration
By absorbing fish waste and decomposing materials while oxygenating the water, anubias plants aid in filtering. These plants significantly alter the ecosystem of a tank and improve water quality. You still need to replace the water frequently, even though they might be of assistance.
Provides shelter
Fish may still feel the urge to hide in tanks since they face numerous predators in the wild. Small, easily sucked-up baby fish can be protected by the shelter from larger fish. Anubias plants can give fish relaxation, shade from the light or sun, delight from exploring, and seclusion. Adding large plants to hide in mimics a fish’s natural environment.
They’re hardy
Anubias plants have a number of advantages, including their hardiness, which makes them an ideal starter plant for ponds or fish tanks. These plants can recover from the majority of errors that novices might make without suffering too much damage.
They thrive where other plants don’t
They can thrive in the majority of conditions when other, more delicate plants might not. They are the ideal plant for fish tanks that contain fish that enjoy munching on plants and destroying them in the process because they are neither edible nor soft enough for fish to nibble on.
Concerns About Anubias
Due to the numerous advantages and low maintenance needs that Anubias plants offer, there is little cause for fear. But because of their big leaves and slow growth, they do draw algae. Keep in mind that high light levels will hasten the formation of algae on their leaves, so maintain low to moderate light levels.
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial for you to learn how to properly care for an Anubias plant if you’re new to the world of these plants. Fortunately, it’s among the easiest plants to take care of.
Keep in mind that it needs water that is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, low to moderate light levels, and plenty of distance from other plants in the area. Housing these plants in ponds or tanks with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons will provide them with the room they need.
Both novice and seasoned fish enthusiasts will benefit greatly from the anubias plant.
Credit for the Featured Image: Pavaphon Supanantananont, Shutterstock
