Anubias Care: Complete Guide for Beginners
Looking to add some lush greenery to your aquascape? Few aquarium plants are as beginner-friendly and versatile as Anubias. Whether you’re starting your first aquascape or expanding an established tank, Anubias can become a beautiful centerpiece or an elegant accent. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to care for Anubias, plant it properly, optimize its conditions, and keep your aquascape thriving.
What Is Anubias?
Belonging to the Araceae family, Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants native to Africa. These slow-growing, hardy plants are favorites in the aquascaping community thanks to their tolerance for a wide range of conditions and compatibility with most fish and shrimp species.
Popular species you’ll encounter include:
- Anubias barteri (including var. nana)
- Anubias coffeefolia
- Anubias heterophylla
- Anubias gracilis
Why Choose Anubias for Your Aquascape?
- Hardiness: Tolerates wide water parameters
- Low Maintenance: Grows slowly and requires minimal trimming
- Low Light: Thrives in shaded or low-light tanks
- Algae Resistance: Thick leaves resist algae buildup
- Versatility: Can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or left free-floating
Anubias is an ideal beginner aquarium plant and makes for a gorgeous midground or foreground feature in most aquascapes.
How to Plant Anubias
Step 1: Preparing the Plant
When you receive your Anubias, gently rinse it under aquarium-safe water to remove debris or hitchhikers. Trim any dead or yellowing leaves.
Step 2: Choosing Placement
Anubias does not like to have its rhizome (the horizontal stem) buried in substrate, which can cause rot. Instead, plant it in one of these two common ways:
- Attach to Hardscape: Tie Anubias using cotton thread, fishing line, or aquascaping glue directly to rocks or driftwood. Over time, its roots will naturally anchor the plant.
- Surface Planting: Place the plant at the substrate’s surface, ensuring the rhizome is above gravel or sand.
Step 3: Spacing
Allow enough space between Anubias plants for water flow and light penetration; crowding can lead to poor growth and algae problems.
Ideal Conditions for Thriving Anubias
Lighting
Anubias prefers low to moderate light (20-40 PAR). Intense lighting can promote algae growth on its slow-growing leaves. Shaded areas, created by taller plants or décor, are ideal.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 3–8 dKH
- CO2: Not required, but growth may improve with supplementation
Anubias tolerates a wide range, making it perfect for most planted tanks.
Water Flow
A moderate flow is best; stagnant water can encourage algae and biofilm, while strong flow may uproot loosely attached plants.
Common Anubias Care FAQs
Does Anubias Need Fertilizer?
Anubias absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column since its roots are not buried. While it can grow without added nutrients, a basic liquid fertilizer helps to maintain vibrant leaves in a low-tech aquascape.
How Often Should I Trim Anubias?
Anubias grows slowly—monthly to quarterly trimming is usually enough. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves close to the rhizome with clean aquascaping scissors.
How Do I Propagate Anubias?
Propagation is easy: use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the rhizome, ensuring each section has at least 3-4 healthy leaves and roots. Attach as you would a new plant.
What Causes Black or Yellow Leaves?
- Yellowing: Often from nutrient deficiencies—try adding a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Black spots: Usually algae; reduce tank light or gently wipe leaves with an old toothbrush during water changes.
- Rhizome rot: Check that the rhizome is not buried or smothered by substrate.
Common Anubias Problems and Solutions
- Algae Growth: Keep lighting moderate. Introduce algae-eating fish or shrimp to help control buildup.
- Detached Plants: Re-tie or re-glue as needed, or anchor with small stones until roots secure.
- Melted Leaves: Some melting is normal after transfer—trim dead leaves and ensure stable parameters for recovery.
Perfect Aquascape Companions for Anubias
Anubias pairs perfectly with other beginner plants such as Java Fern and Bucephalandra. Small fish, shrimp, and snails also love the cover provided by Anubias leaves.
Conclusion: Is Anubias Right for Your Aquascape?
With its forgiving nature, slow growth, and striking green leaves, Anubias is undoubtedly one of the best starter plants for aquascaping beginners. Its ability to thrive in low-tech setups makes it a must-have whether you dream of lush jungles or minimalist layouts.
Start Your Anubias Aquascape Journey Today!
Ready to try Anubias for yourself? Browse our Beginner Aquarium Plants Guide for more inspiration, and don’t forget to share your progress with the Aquascaping Academy community! For additional plant care tips, explore our in-depth aquascaping resources.
