The Anubias barteri is a popular aquatic plant known for its toughness and broad, deep green leaves, making it an excellent choice for beginners in the aquarium hobby. This species is highly adaptable and thrives even in low-light conditions. Its unique growth habit, however, requires a specific planting method to ensure its survival and prevent decay.
Preparing Anubias for the Aquarium
Before placing the plant in the tank, perform a few preparatory steps. If the plant came potted, gently remove all rock wool or foam surrounding the roots, taking care not to damage the underlying structures. Thoroughly rinse the plant under running water to wash away any debris, residual fertilizer, or potential hitchhikers like pest snails or their eggs.
Examine the entire plant for any yellowing or damaged leaves, which should be carefully trimmed close to the main stem using sharp scissors. The roots primarily function as anchors rather than nutrient absorbers, and often grow long and tangled in the nursery. Trim these roots back, leaving approximately one to two inches of material extending from the main horizontal stem. This trimming makes the plant easier to handle and secure to hardscape materials.
Securing Anubias: The Rhizome Rule
The most important consideration when planting Anubias barteri is the location of the rhizome, which is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots emerge. This structure must remain exposed to the water column and should never be buried beneath the substrate. Burying the rhizome restricts oxygen flow and causes it to rot, which will eventually kill the entire plant.
Since the plant cannot be buried, it is instead secured to hard surfaces like driftwood or porous rock, where it will naturally anchor itself over time. One common method is tying the rhizome to the hardscape using a dark cotton thread or thin fishing line, which will eventually degrade or be concealed by new growth. For a more immediate and permanent bond, a small amount of cyanoacrylate gel, commonly known as super glue, can be applied directly to the rhizome and pressed onto the hardscape for a few seconds.
While the rhizome must be kept clear, the fine, trimmed roots can be gently tucked into small crevices of the rock or wood, or even loosely placed on top of the substrate. This anchoring helps stabilize the plant while it establishes new holdfast roots onto the chosen surface.
Post-Planting Environment and Care
Once the Anubias barteri is secured, provide a stable environment for long-term growth. This species thrives under low to moderate lighting conditions. Exposure to high-intensity light should be avoided, as the plant’s slow growth rate makes its leaves highly susceptible to aggressive algae growth.
Because the rhizome and roots are not buried deeply in nutrient-rich substrate, the plant absorbs the majority of its nutrients directly from the water column. Supplementation with liquid fertilizers containing essential micro and macronutrients, particularly iron, can promote more robust and vibrant foliage. While the plant can survive without supplemental fertilization in a well-stocked aquarium, consistent nutrient availability supports optimal health.
Ensuring adequate water circulation around the leaves and the exposed rhizome is also beneficial for the plant’s health. Gentle water flow helps deliver nutrients and prevents the accumulation of organic debris or stagnant water, which can contribute to algae formation on the broad leaf surfaces. Given its naturally slow growth rate, the Anubias barteri requires minimal trimming, usually only the removal of older, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves close to the base.