Anubias plants are a popular choice for aquatic and terrarium environments, valued for their durability and attractive foliage. Discovering a flower bud emerging from an Anubias plant is often an exciting moment for hobbyists, suggesting the plant is thriving within its environment.
What is an Anubias Flower Bud
An Anubias flower bud is a distinct structure. It is a type of inflorescence known as a spathe and spadix, resembling a calla lily. The spathe is a modified leaf, often off-white or yellowish, enveloping the central spadix where the small flowers reside. This floral structure typically emerges from the plant’s rhizome, the thick, horizontal stem from which leaves and roots grow.
Anubias plants can flower both underwater (submerged) and above water (emersed). While submerged flowering occurs, it is generally more common and robust when the plant is grown emersed, such as in terrariums or paludariums. In emersed conditions, the flower may last longer and develop more fully.
Caring for a Flowering Anubias
Consistent and appropriate care promotes Anubias health. They thrive in moderate to low light conditions, typically requiring 8 to 10 hours of light daily. Excessive light can encourage algae growth on the plant’s broad leaves, hindering its overall health.
Maintaining stable water parameters is important for aquatic Anubias. They prefer water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is suitable, and regular water changes help remove excess nutrients, contributing to a clean and stable environment.
Anubias primarily absorb nutrients directly from the water column through their leaves and rhizome. While not heavy feeders, supplementing with liquid fertilizers or root tabs can be beneficial, especially if the aquarium’s natural nutrient supply is low. Higher phosphate levels can encourage blooming, indicating a balanced nutrient profile supports flower development.
Proper placement of the Anubias is important for its well-being. The rhizome, the horizontal stem, should never be buried in the substrate, as this can lead to rot and plant decline. Instead, attach the plant to hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood, allowing the rhizome to remain exposed to the water column.
Flowering Anubias: What it Means
The appearance of a flower on an Anubias plant signifies the plant is thriving and has successfully adapted to its surroundings. The frequency of flowering can vary, with some plants blooming every few months, while others may rarely or never produce a flower.
When an Anubias flowers, there is no need to remove the bloom; it can be left on the plant to naturally run its course. The flower typically lasts about a week before wilting. If preferred, the flower stalk can be trimmed close to the rhizome without harming the plant.
Seed production from an Anubias flower is rare in typical hobby settings. Successful pollination usually requires manual intervention, often involving pollen from a separate Anubias plant, as the male and female parts of a single flower do not ripen simultaneously. It can take several weeks for seeds to develop after successful pollination. If an Anubias plant does not flower, it is not a sign of poor health, as many healthy Anubias plants never produce blooms.