Complete Anubias Guide — The Best Epiphytic Plant for Beginners

Anubias species are slow-growing rhizome plants highly valued for reliability and elegance. Their dark green leaves and architectural form make them cornerstone plants in many aquascapes. This guide covers cultivation, care, and application.

Anubias Overview

Anubias are tropical semi-aquatic plants native to Africa. They grow naturally as terrestrial plants but adapt well to full aquatic cultivation.

• Slow growth: Very slow, predictable growth makes them stable layout elements
• Low light tolerance: Among the most shade-tolerant aquatic plants
• Rhizome-based: Grow from horizontal rhizome rather than rooting all along stem
• Long-lived: Individual plants persist for decades with minimal care
• Hardy: Excellent disease resistance and adaptability

Anubias Species and Varieties

Anubias barteri var. barteri (Broad leaf) - Large leaves (5-10 cm) - Slow growth - Most commonly available - Excellent for specimen plants - Very easy

Anubias barteri var. nana (Dwarf anubias) - Smaller leaves (2-4 cm) - Very slow growth - Excellent for foreground - Most popular aquarium anubias - Very easy

Anubias barteri var. nana petite (Dwarf petite) - Tiny leaves (1-2 cm) - Ultra-slow growth - Perfect for small tanks - Premium price but worth for aesthetic - Very easy

Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia (Coffeifolia) - Crinkled, unique leaf shape - Medium growth rate - Interesting form - Relatively easy - Good focal point

Anubias hastifolia (Spear leaf) - Pointed spear-shaped leaves - Medium growth rate - Distinctive appearance - Easy to moderate - Good for variation

Anubias barteri var. glabra (Giant) - Large leaves (10+ cm) - Slow growth - Impressive specimens - Takes years to mature - Very easy but patient grower

Rhizome Structure and Growth

Understanding rhizome anatomy Anubias grow from horizontal rhizome (underground stem). Leaves emerge from rhizome nodes. Roots emerge from rhizome base.

Never bury rhizome Buried rhizome rots despite excellent water quality. Rhizome must be above substrate or attached to hardscape.

Proper positioning - Attach to rock with fishing line or java moss (ties decompose over time) - Attach to driftwood with thread or cable ties - Position with rhizome above substrate surface - Over time, roots extend down into substrate - Eventually plant becomes self-supporting

Growth rate expectations - Adds 1-3 new leaves per month in good conditions - Very slow compared to stem plants - Takes years to fill aquarium space - Maturity takes many years - Patience required but rewarding

Growing Anubias Successfully

Light requirements - Tolerate very low light (1-2 watts per liter minimum) - Thrive in moderate to bright light - Artificial light sufficient - Don't require intense light like stem plants - Can be positioned under plant shelves or in shade

Temperature - Prefer warm water (22-28°C typical) - Tolerate cooler water (down to 18°C) - Rapid temperature changes stress plants - Stable temperature more important than exact value

Water chemistry - Tolerate wide pH ranges (6.0-8.0) - Tolerate wide hardness ranges - Generally hardy regarding chemistry - No special requirements

Nutrients - Slow growth means low nutrient consumption - Basic fertilization adequate - Liquid all-in-one fertilizer monthly sufficient - Overfertilizing can stress plants - Often sufficient without supplementation in established tanks

Substrate and rooting - Don't need substrate for growth (rhizome supplies nutrition) - Benefit from root tabs if rooted in substrate - Can be grown floating (unusual but possible) - Typically attached to hardscape

Propagation and Increase

Natural rhizome division Over years, rhizome creates branches. These can be separated to create new plants.

Deliberate division - Cut rhizome with knife between node clusters (sterilized blade) - Each division needs leaves and roots - Plant or attach new division - Both pieces may recover and grow - Takes time for new divisions to establish

Leaf meristem propagation (advanced) Specialized technique using tissue culture. Beyond scope of typical aquarist but possible.

Common Anubias Issues

Slow growth Normal characteristic, not a problem. Patience required.

Rhizome rot Only cause: buried rhizome. Expose rhizome immediately. Plant should recover over weeks.

Leaf spots Occasionally from old age or minor damage. Generally insignificant.

Algae on leaves Very common. Anubias' hardness makes excellent algae substrate. Manual removal or bristlenose plecos help.

Leaves becoming transparent/thin Indicates light stress or old age. Usually temporary.

Algae Considerations

Anubias' hardness attracts algae attachment more readily than soft-leaved plants. Managing algae on anubias:

• Manual removal: Wipe with soft cloth or aquarium-safe algae scraper
• Algae-eating fish: Bristlenose plecos, siamese algae eaters effective
• Shade reduction: Algae may indicate excessive light
• Increasing plant biomass: Competing plants reduce algae pressure

Aquascape Applications

Specimen plants Large anubias barteri var. barteri makes impressive focal point. Takes years but results in stunning mature plant.

Foreground and midground Dwarf and petite varieties fill lower sections. Create structure without overshadowing composition.

Attached hardscape Anubias on rocks and wood create natural appearance. Plants appear growing from substrate elements.

Focal point softening Position in front of sharp rocks or wood. Natural form blends harsh edges.

Carpet edging Position at junction between carpet plants and midground. Creates height transition.

Combining Anubias with Other Plants

With stem plants Slower anubias provide visual anchor while stem plants create movement and growth.

With ferns (java fern, aquatic mosses) Similar slow growth rates create stable combination. Similar care requirements match well.

With fast-growing foreground Contrast between slow anubias and fast foreground creates dynamic composition.

Temperature Influence

While anubias tolerate wide temperature ranges, temperature slightly affects growth:

• Warmer (25-28°C): Faster growth, more vigorous
• Cooler (18-22°C): Slower growth
• Very variable temperature: Stress and slower growth

Longevity and Long-term Care

Anubias develop beautiful patina over years. Mature plants represent investment in long-term aesthetics. Some aquarists maintain same plant specimens for decades.

Sourcing Anubias

• Common species (barteri, nana) available most aquatic retailers
• Specialty varieties (petite, coffeifolia) from specialty retailers
• Online sources offer varieties not locally available
• Plant swaps among enthusiasts
• Propagated divisions from established collections

Low-Demand Aquarium Ideal

For aquarists preferring minimal intervention, anubias create stable aquascape foundation. Slow growth means: - Less trimming - No propagation pressure - Years of consistent appearance - Reliable hardscape element - Forgiving of neglect within reason

Conclusion

Anubias represent foundation plants for reliable, attractive planted aquariums. Their slow growth, hardiness, and shade tolerance make them invaluable to aquascaping. From tiny petite varieties to impressive giant specimens, anubias span aquarium sizes and styles. While years are required for impressive maturity, the journey of watching anubias develop becomes rewarding aspect of long-term aquarium keeping.