Anubias Care vs Alternatives: What to Choose?
If you’re building a planted aquarium, the choice between Anubias and alternative aquatic plants is likely one of your first pivotal decisions. Anubias, known for its resilience and stately leaves, boasts a huge fanbase in the aquascaping world—but how does it compare to other beginner-friendly plants like Java Fern, Bucephalandra, or Cryptocoryne? In this guide, we’ll delve deep into Anubias care versus its most popular alternatives, so you can confidently select the best option for your aquascape.
What Makes Anubias Stand Out in Aquascaping?
Anubias species are among the most versatile and dependable plants for freshwater aquariums. Native to West Africa, these robust plants feature thick, leathery leaves and a rhizome-based growth habit. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Anubias earns its place in many aquascaping layouts including beginner-friendly aquascapes and high-end show tanks.
Key Benefits of Anubias
- Low-Light Tolerance: Survives under minimal lighting, perfect for low-maintenance aquariums.
- Slow Growth: Rarely overruns your aquascape, reducing pruning needs.
- Flexible Placement: Attaches easily to driftwood and rocks, as well as substrate.
- Hardy Nature: Resistant to many common aquarium pests and algae issues.
- Ideal for Beginners: Forgiving of water parameter fluctuations and simple to propagate.
Understanding Anubias Care Requirements
Anubias is appreciated for its undemanding care. Here’s what to keep in mind for thriving growth:
Lighting and Placement
Anubias prefers low to moderate light. Intense lighting can actually trigger stubborn algae growth on its leaves. Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rocks using fishing line or glue, ensuring it is not buried in substrate.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: Tolerates a broad range
Fertilization and Maintenance
Anubias can grow without CO2 injection, though a liquid fertilizer and gentle root tabs will enhance coloration and leaf size. Remove old or damaged leaves to keep plants healthy and free of algae buildup.
Potential Drawbacks
- Slow Growth Rate: Some aquascapers prefer faster results.
- Algae-prone: Broad leaves can attract algae in high light or high-nutrient tanks.
Popular Alternatives to Anubias: A Comparison
While Anubias is a stellar choice, other robust aquatic plants can either complement or replace it in your setup. Here’s how a few alternatives stack up:
1. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
- Care Level: Easy
- Placement: Attach to hardscape, never bury rhizome
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Light: Low to moderate
- Why Choose? Similar care requirements but offers a distinct, feathery texture compared to Anubias’s broad leaves.
2. Bucephalandra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Placement: Attach to stones or driftwood
- Growth Rate: Very slow
- Light: Thrives in low-moderate light
- Why Choose? Aesthetically diverse with many color and leaf shape variations, ideal for nano aquascapes.
3. Cryptocoryne (Crypts)
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Placement: Rooted in substrate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Light: Adaptable to various levels
- Why Choose? Lush, bushy growth and a huge range of species; great for foreground to midground planting.
4. Bolbitis Heudelotii (African Water Fern)
- Care Level: Easy
- Placement: Attach to hardscape
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Low to moderate
- Why Choose? Unique lace-like leaves add visual contrast and movement to the aquascape.
Anubias vs Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between Anubias and its alternatives depends on your aquascaping goals, the aesthetic you’re after, and the level of maintenance you prefer. Here’s a quick side-by-side overview:
| Plant | Care Difficulty | Growth Rate | Irradiance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anubias | Beginner | Slow | Low | All tank sizes, low tech |
| Java Fern | Beginner | Slow-Medium | Low | Nano tanks, low-light setups |
| Bucephalandra | Beginner/Intermediate | Very Slow | Low-Medium | Accent plants, nano layouts |
| Cryptocoryne | Beginner/Intermediate | Medium | Low-Medium | Midground, naturalistic layouts |
| Bolbitis Heudelotii | Beginner | Slow | Low | Backgrounds, biotope layouts |
Tips for Choosing the Right Plant for Your Aquascape
- Assess Your Lighting: If your lighting is weak, lean toward Anubias, Java Fern, or Bucephalandra.
- Desired Growth Rate: For more rapid coverage, opt for Crypts; for slow-and-steady, Anubias or Bucephalandra fit the bill.
- Aquascape Style: Dutch style aquascapes or iwagumi layouts may benefit from a diverse mix of textures provided by these different species.
- Maintenance Preferences: For ultra low-maintenance tanks, Anubias and Java Fern are nearly unbeatable.
- Tank Inhabitants: Consider plant-eating fish—Anubias’s tough leaves can deter even persistent nibblers.
For detailed aquascaping inspiration and care tips, check out our guide to low-maintenance aquascaping.
Final Thoughts: Making the Best Choice for Your Aquarium
Anubias remains a cornerstone of planted aquariums due to its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and enduring appeal. However, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne, and Bolbitis each bring unique qualities to the aquascape, both visually and in terms of care. Think about your tank’s needs, what inspires you, and your maintenance routine—there’s no single “best” plant, but there is an ideal plant for your vision.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
At Aquascaping Academy, we’re passionate about helping hobbyists create stunning planted aquariums. Explore our beginner plant guide or contact our experts for personalized recommendations. Share your aquascaping journey with us, and let’s grow together!
