Common Mistakes with Anubias Care and How to Avoid Them

Anubias species are among the most popular aquarium plants for aquascaping hobbyists, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Renowned for their hardiness, low light requirements, and striking appearance, Anubias are a fantastic addition to nearly any aquascape. But despite their resilient nature, improper care can stunt their growth or even lead to their demise. In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common mistakes with Anubias care—and, most importantly, how to avoid them for thriving, healthy plants.

Why Anubias Are Popular in Aquascaping

Anubias varieties, such as Anubias barteri and Anubias nana, feature beautiful, broad leaves and a robust structure that complements hardscape materials like driftwood and rocks. Their tolerance for different aquarium setups makes them a go-to choice for both low-tech and high-tech aquascapes. For more inspiration on choosing plants, check out our best plants for aquascaping guide.

Common Anubias Care Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

1. Burying the Rhizome in Substrate

One of the most frequent mistakes aquascapers make with Anubias is planting them like typical rooted plants—by burying the rhizome under the substrate. The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem where both roots and leaves grow.

• What happens: The buried rhizome can rot due to lack of oxygen and begin to decay, causing the leaves to melt and the plant to die.
• How to avoid: Always keep the rhizome above the substrate. Attach Anubias to aquarium decorations, rocks, or driftwood using fishing line, thread, or specialized plant glue. Allow the roots to anchor naturally.

2. Overexposure to Light

While Anubias species can tolerate a broad range of lighting, direct and intense light is often problematic.

• What happens: Too much lighting encourages unsightly algae growth, especially on slow-growing Anubias leaves, and can cause yellowing or browning.
• How to avoid: Place your Anubias in shaded areas of your aquascape, under hardscape elements, or in low to moderate light zones. Learn more about optimizing your aquarium lighting for plant health.

3. Neglecting Water Flow and Filtration

Stagnant water can encourage the accumulation of debris and algae on Anubias leaves.

• What happens: Dirt and detritus collect on leaves, while poor flow leads to sluggish growth and increased susceptibility to pests and disease.
• How to avoid: Ensure gentle water movement around your Anubias. Maintain regular filter maintenance for healthy water quality, as detailed in our aquarium filter maintenance guide.

4. Improper Fertilization

While they are not heavy feeders, Anubias benefit from proper nutrients in the water column.

• What happens: Insufficient nutrients may result in yellowing leaves (chlorosis) and stunted growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to algae outbreaks.
• How to avoid: Dose a balanced liquid fertilizer as needed, keeping a close eye on both plant and algae growth. Root tabs are usually unnecessary for Anubias since they mostly absorb nutrients from the water, not the substrate.

5. Rough Handling During Planting

Anubias leaves and rhizomes can be delicate despite the plant’s tough reputation.

• What happens: Damaged or bruised rhizomes/leaves can rot, allowing pathogens and algae to take hold.
• How to avoid: Use gentle hands and sharp, clean aquascaping scissors when trimming. Secure the plant with care, avoiding tight knots or excessive force.

6. Ignoring Algae on Anubias Leaves

Algae growth is common on Anubias due to their slow growth and broad leaves, making routine care essential.

• What happens: Layers of algae can block light, hindering photosynthesis and causing unsightly appearance.
• How to avoid: Conduct regular water changes, keep stocking and feeding balanced, and remove algae manually with a soft brush. Consider adding algae-eating species like Amano shrimp or Otocinclus catfish for natural maintenance, as detailed in our best algae eaters for aquariums article.

7. Expecting Fast Growth

Anubias are renowned for being slow growers—sometimes frustratingly so for new aquascapers!

• What happens: Unrealistic expectations can lead to over-fertilizing or excessive trimming in hopes the plant will grow faster.
• How to avoid: Embrace patience! Anubias may only produce a new leaf every few weeks; healthy, steady growth is normal and desirable.

Expert Tips for Thriving Anubias

• Attach Anubias to hardscape, keeping the rhizome exposed.
• Position the plant in sheltered, low- to mid-light parts of your aquascape.
• Rinse debris gently from the leaves during water changes.
• Monitor and adjust fertilization based on plant needs and visible growth.
• Observe for pests or snails, and treat promptly to prevent leaf damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anubias Care

Can Anubias survive without CO₂ injection?

Yes! Anubias thrive in low-tech tanks without supplemental CO₂. They’re ideal for beginners and nano aquariums.

Do Anubias need to be planted in substrate?

No, and in fact, burying the rhizome is harmful. Attach them to rocks, driftwood, or use weights to keep them in place.

How often should I trim Anubias?

Trim yellow, damaged, or algae-covered leaves as needed. Avoid excessive trimming—Anubias need time to recover due to their slow growth rate.

Take Your Aquascaping to the Next Level

With proper care, Anubias can be the crown jewel of your aquascape for years. By avoiding common mistakes and understanding their unique needs, you’ll enjoy healthy, lush plants in any setup!

Ready to enhance your aquascaping skills? Explore more detailed plant profiles and care guides on Aquascaping Academy, and join our newsletter for exclusive tips and inspiration!