Anubias, renowned for its lush green appearance and hardy nature, is one of the most popular plants among aquarium enthusiasts. It’s a very adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of environments, which makes it a great option for novice and seasoned aquarium owners alike.
Although it grows slowly, this plant is resilient enough to survive in a variety of settings and even the odd fish nibble. Anubias gives an aquarium a natural, peaceful presence and is frequently used to add texture and depth to aquascapes.
A low-maintenance plant that adds beauty to any aquarium, Anubias can be planted in substrate, attached to rocks, or driftwood. Its broad, dark green leaves stand out against other plants, which is why people who want to create a colorful underwater landscape love it.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Scientific Name | Anubias |
| Light Requirements | Low to moderate |
| Water Temperature | 22-28°C (72-82°F) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Placement in Tank | Foreground or midground |
| CO2 Requirement | Not necessary |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Common Uses | Attached to driftwood or rocks |
Types of Anubias
Growth of Anubias is slow. It features big, varying-shaped leaves, a creeping rhizome, and maybe some thorns. Only a small number of the various plant species are produced through artificial breeding.
- variegated;
- narrow-leaved;
- dwarf;
- petite;
- nana (the smallest species).
Most species of fish can be kept with herbivorous fish.
The maintenance conditions ought to be as near to the plants’ natural habitat as possible. To do this, adhere to these guidelines:
- Soil. The layer placed on the bottom of the aquarium should be at least 10 centimeters. The best option is coarse sand, small pebbles. In some cases, it is recommended to add silt and mineral supplements.
- Lighting. The light should be bright, otherwise the plant may wither. It is recommended to use LED lamps. If you combine warm and cold light, you can achieve an imitation of natural lighting. Duration of daylight hours is 11-12 hours. Due to excess lighting, the plant may not have time to carry out photosynthesis, and this will lead to the development of harmful algae on the leaves and in the aquarium.
- Water. The optimum temperature is 24 °C. An increase to 28-30 does not affect the plants much, but you cannot allow the temperature to fall below 22 °C. Acidity and hardness of water can be any – they have almost no effect on the life of anubias, but experts recommend soft and minimally acidic water.
It is essential to remove dead plant material on time, "feed" the plant with fertilizers, and keep its water parameters at their ideal levels.
How to plant a plant
Planting large varieties requires burying the rhizomes in the ground. If the plant is small, only bury the roots; leave the rhizome exposed. Cut the roots shorter if needed. Using tweezers to hold a long root, submerge the plant in the substrate. To prevent erosion, tamp. The top leaves may occasionally drop off, but this is a normal occurrence and they will eventually regrow.
Whenever possible, use a natural thread that will dissolve when the anubias takes root, if you must plant them on a snag. Making sure the main root is not buried is important because it can cause the plant to rot. Certain types need to be further fastened in order to prevent them from floating to the top.
Watch this video to find out more about the planting procedure:
Reproduction
Anubias can spread through a number of methods:
- dividing the rhizome;
- pricking out;
- cutting.
Vegetative reproduction is typically used in home aquariums, whereby branches or a portion of the rhizome are split off from the main shoot and then transplanted into a reservoir at a location of their choosing. The shoot needs to be strengthened with fertilizers.
There are two methods to root the emerging shoots:
- Transplant the young plant into the soil (provided that there should be at least 5 leaves on the shoot).
- A large leaf is tied to a sponge soaked in peat.
It is advised that experienced aquarists assist with breeding, as it will be challenging for novices.
Poor growth of anubias
Inappropriate conditions or the cold season can cause slow growth. Water parameters, lighting, and mineral fertilizers can all be used to solve the issue. Anubias shouldn’t be planted in aquariums for the following reasons:
- inability to bloom;
- slow development in a soft water environment;
- lack of organic matter in the soil.
Diseases or poor maintenance can impede the growth of plants. Principal illnesses:
- yellowing of leaves;
- rust;
- rotting of the stem, leaves or root;
- deformation of the leaf;
- fading of root growth.
Poor plant care leads to the development of diseases.
Plant fertilizers
Applying root nutrition is essential since anubias need nutrient-rich soil to grow.
A combination of silt and peat or sand and coal can be used. Additional feeding choices:
- nitrogen fertilizers;
- potassium solutions (prevent yellowing of leaves);
- boron and calcium solution (stimulates growth);
- iron chelate (vitamin D and mineral nutrition).
Fertilizers are especially important when anubias are growing.
Anubias is a popular choice for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike because it is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that grows well in a variety of environments.
Compatibility with aquarium inhabitants
Anubias has good relationships with:
- small fish and snails that feed on algae;
- shrimp (in symbiosis with the plant, they clean the leaves from dirt);
- livebearers and catfish.
You should not mix them because most herbivorous fish (like cichlids) will want to nibble on the plant.
Anubias provides both beauty and utility to any aquarium, making it a hardy and appealing addition. Experienced aquarists are drawn to its distinctive appearance, but novices can benefit from its hardy nature as well.
Anubias can flourish in a range of lighting conditions and water conditions with little maintenance. Because of its adaptability, it can be used as a foreground plant or attached to driftwood and rocks in a variety of aquarium settings.
Anubias provide shade and oxygen to your aquarium, which not only improves its aesthetic appeal but also fosters a healthier ecosystem. It’s the perfect option for anyone wishing to add some greenery to their tank because of its slow growth and low maintenance requirements.
