Anubias
Anubias are hardy, slow-growing aquarium plants prized for their rich green foliage and exceptional durability. These versatile epiphytic plants thrive when attached to aquarium wood or stone, making them ideal for aquascaping, shrimp tanks, and low-tech planted aquariums.
From compact Anubias nana 'Petite' to larger species like Anubias barteri, Anubias provide long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance. Their ability to grow in low light and a wide range of water conditions makes them one of the most popular freshwater aquarium plants for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
🌿 Learn More About Anubias Care & Growing
🌿 Why Choose Anubias?
Anubias are among the easiest freshwater aquarium plants to grow. Their thick leaves, slow growth, and hardy nature make them ideal for beginners, shrimp aquariums, Nature Aquariums, and professional aquascapes. Whether attached to driftwood or stone, Anubias add natural beauty with very little maintenance.
🌱 How Should I Plant Anubias?
Anubias are epiphytic plants that naturally grow attached to driftwood and rocks. The roots may grow into aquarium soil, but the rhizome should always remain above the substrate to prevent rot.
Attach Anubias using aquarium-safe super glue gel, thread, or fishing line. Over time the roots will naturally secure themselves to your hardscape.
💧 Ideal Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- General Hardness (GH): 2–15 dGH
- Lighting: Low to Moderate
- CO₂: Optional but beneficial
Anubias tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but stable water parameters and clean water will always produce healthier plants.
💡 Do Anubias Need CO₂?
No. Anubias grow exceptionally well without CO₂, making them perfect for low-tech planted aquariums. However, adding CO₂ encourages faster growth, healthier leaves, stronger roots, and improved resistance to algae.
Do Anubias Need Fertilizer?
Although Anubias grow slowly, they still benefit from a complete nutrient supply. Regular liquid fertilizers and nutrient-rich aquarium soils help prevent deficiencies and support healthy long-term growth.
⚠️ Common Problems
Because Anubias leaves remain on the plant for a long time, algae may eventually develop on older leaves.
- Green Spot Algae usually develops under excessive lighting.
- Black Beard Algae often appears when plants receive too much direct water flow.
- Yellow leaves are commonly caused by long-term nutrient deficiencies.
Stable water conditions, balanced fertilization, and regular maintenance are the best long-term solutions.
🌿 Can I Plant Anubias in Aquarium Soil?
Yes. The roots benefit from nutrient-rich aquarium soil, but the rhizome itself should always remain above the substrate. Many aquascapers allow the roots to grow into aquasoil while keeping the rhizome exposed.
🌱 Popular Anubias Varieties
- Anubias barteri
- Anubias barteri var. nana
- Anubias nana 'Petite'
- Anubias Coffeefolia
- Anubias Pinto
- Anubias White
- Anubias Pangolino
- Anubias Chilli
- Anubias Stardust
- Anubias Gigantea
- Anubias Gracilis
✂️ Propagation
Anubias reproduce by extending their rhizome. Once multiple growth points develop, divide the rhizome with a sharp blade, ensuring each section has healthy leaves and roots before attaching it to new hardscape.
Perfect for Aquascaping
Anubias pair beautifully with Bucephalandra, Java Fern, aquarium mosses, driftwood, and natural stone. Their ability to grow on hardscape makes them one of the most versatile plants for creating natural-looking aquascapes while providing excellent shelter for shrimp and fish.
The Wet Leaf Canada proudly offers premium Anubias for beginner planted aquariums, Nature Aquariums, shrimp tanks, and advanced aquascaping layouts.
