水榕

關於水榕

Anubias belongs to the family Araceae and is native to the streams and swamps of tropical West African rainforests. The genus name is said to derive from Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god, and its mysterious, sculptural appearance has long captivated aquarists worldwide. Its distinguishing features include rounded, deep-green leaves with a glossy surface and a creeping rhizome that spreads horizontally. As an amphibious plant, it adapts to both submerged and emergent cultivation. Its temperament is remarkably forgiving—it can be maintained in low light with minimal fertilization and without CO2 injection, making it ideal for simple, low-tech setups. Although its slow growth makes it somewhat prone to algae accumulation on the leaves, that same slow pace means a carefully composed layout remains intact for months or even years. Attached to driftwood or rock, Anubias brings depth and a sense of the wild to any aquarium and pairs well with virtually any tropical fish.

開始照料水榕前需要了解的6件事

1. 1Never Bury the Rhizome

   Burying the rhizome in substrate causes it to rot, which can kill the entire plant. Instead, tie or glue it onto driftwood or rocks, or simply rest it on the surface of the substrate. Keeping the rhizome exposed to water flow is the key to long-term health.

2. 2Thrives in Low Light

   Anubias is one of the few aquatic plants that thrives under low-intensity lighting. When kept alongside high-light plants, position it in shaded spots such as behind driftwood. Extended exposure to strong light tends to encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.

3. 3Algae Prone on Leaves

   Because its leaves grow very slowly, algae—especially black beard algae—can colonize the surface, which is the plant's main vulnerability. Limit lighting to 8 hours or fewer per day, maintain moderate water flow, and perform regular water changes to control nutrients. Keeping Amano shrimp or otocinclus catfish as tankmates is also an effective preventive measure.

4. 4Very Slow Grower

   Anubias typically puts out only a few new leaves per month, making it one of the slowest-growing aquatic plants. It is not the best choice if you want rapid layout changes, but once established it can thrive for years, rewarding patient aquarists with lasting beauty.

5. 5Adaptable Water Conditions

   Anubias tolerates a wide range of conditions, thriving at temperatures of 20–30°C and pH levels of 6.0–7.5, making it compatible with most tropical fish setups. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water but adapts well to moderately hard water, so precise water chemistry is not critical. Avoid sudden temperature swings.

6. 6CO2 Not Required

   Anubias grows without CO2 injection, making it ideal for beginners who want to keep equipment costs low. Adding CO2 can produce richer leaf color and slightly faster growth, but excess CO2 may promote algae, so start with a low dose if you choose to inject. Use liquid fertilizers sparingly as well.

水榕的常見問題

Q.Is CO2 injection necessary?

A.Anubias is one of the few aquatic plants that grows well without CO2 injection. That said, supplementing CO2 can improve leaf color and luster and may modestly accelerate growth.

Q.Black beard algae keeps growing on my leaves

A.Black beard algae is commonly caused by excess phosphate or stagnant water flow. Increasing water changes to reduce phosphate levels and introducing Amano shrimp can help keep it under control.

Q.Can I bury the rhizome in the substrate?

A.Burying the rhizome in substrate deprives it of oxygen and leads to rot, so always keep it exposed. If planting in substrate, insert only the roots lightly, leaving the rhizome fully above the surface.

Q.Why are my leaves turning yellow?

A.Yellowing is usually caused by nitrogen or potassium deficiency, or stress from excess light encouraging algae competition. Try adding a small dose of liquid fertilizer and reviewing your lighting duration and intensity.

Q.Can Anubias grow in a goldfish tank?

A.Goldfish tend to eat most aquatic plants, but Anubias is relatively resistant to grazing thanks to its tough leaves. However, it is not completely immune—some goldfish varieties or individual fish may still nibble at the leaves.

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