Anubias is a popular aquarium plant known for its robust nature and distinct, leathery foliage. Although hardy, it is notoriously slow-growing, often producing only one new leaf every few weeks. Achieving “fast” growth means optimizing environmental factors to push the plant toward its maximum genetic potential. This requires specific attention to placement, fertilization, and metabolic accelerators.
Essential Placement and Rhizome Care
Healthy Anubias growth requires proper handling of its rhizome, the thick, horizontal stem from which leaves and roots emerge. This structure must never be fully buried in the substrate, as this starves the tissue of oxygen and leads to rot. Anubias must be treated as an epiphyte, anchored to hardscape materials like porous rocks or driftwood.
Secure the plant by tying the rhizome gently with cotton thread or using aquarium-safe super glue gel. The roots will naturally anchor themselves over time, allowing the temporary material to be removed. Positioning the plant in a gentle, consistent water flow is beneficial, ensuring the leaves remain clean and nutrients are continuously delivered.
Optimizing Light for Accelerated Photosynthesis
While Anubias tolerates low light, accelerating its growth requires moderate intensity to boost photosynthesis. The ideal range for accelerated growth is 15 to 50 micromoles per square meter per second (µmol/m²/s) of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) at the leaf level. Using the upper end of this spectrum translates directly to a faster rate of energy production.
The photoperiod should be maintained consistently between eight and ten hours daily. Increased lighting carries a trade-off: the slow-growing leaves are susceptible to algae buildup. Higher light accelerates growth but also increases the risk of tenacious algae like Green Spot Algae, which can shade the leaves and negate the benefits.
Nutrient Strategies for Faster Growth
Since the rhizome cannot be buried, Anubias functions almost entirely as a water column feeder, absorbing nutrients through its roots and leaf surfaces. Comprehensive liquid fertilization is necessary to support accelerated growth, as fish waste alone is often insufficient. The plant requires a steady supply of macro-nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and a full spectrum of micro-nutrients.
Iron is an important micro-nutrient; deficiency often manifests as chlorosis, or the yellowing of new leaves, which stalls growth. To maximize uptake, many aquarists use a daily micro-dosing regimen of balanced liquid fertilizer rather than a large weekly dose, ensuring consistent nutrient concentration. Because the roots primarily serve as anchors, nutrient-rich root tabs placed in the substrate are largely ineffective.
Environmental Factors That Boost Metabolism
The most effective method for accelerating Anubias growth is the introduction of supplemental carbon dioxide (CO2) into the water column. CO2 is a limiting factor in photosynthesis, and its injection dramatically increases the plant’s metabolic speed. This often reduces the time between new leaf production from four to six weeks down to two weeks, making the plant behave like a medium-growth species.
Water temperature also directly influences metabolic activity, with warmer parameters encouraging faster growth. Maintaining the tank temperature between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius) optimizes the biological processes within the plant cells. Consistent water parameters, including stable pH and hardness, are necessary, as Anubias is sensitive to sudden environmental fluctuations that divert energy from growth.