Anubias is a genus of aquatic plants valued for its low-maintenance requirements and striking, dark green foliage. This plant is exceptionally hardy, tolerating a wide range of water parameters and light conditions, making it a popular choice for aquarists. Successfully establishing Anubias in an aquarium with a gravel substrate requires a different approach than planting traditional stem plants. This guide focuses on the specific techniques necessary to secure this plant in a gravel setup while ensuring its long-term health.
Understanding Anubias Structure
The key to growing this plant successfully lies in understanding its unique anatomy, particularly the structure known as the rhizome. The rhizome is a thick, horizontal stem from which the roots grow downward and the leaves and flowers sprout upward. It functions as the plant’s main storage and growth point, differentiating it from typical aquatic stem plants. The rhizome naturally grows above the substrate, often attached to rocks or driftwood. If this horizontal stem is completely buried in gravel, the lack of water flow and oxygen exchange leads to rot, causing the entire plant to fail.
Essential Preparation Before Planting
Before introducing the new plant into the aquarium, preparation steps are necessary to ensure a smooth transition and prevent the introduction of contaminants. The first step involves gently removing any packaging material, such as the rock wool or foam often used by growers. This material can trap debris and contain fertilizers that may negatively impact the established tank ecosystem. Carefully rinse the entire plant under clean, running water to dislodge all remnants of the rock wool from the fine root structure. Inspect the leaves and rhizome closely for any small pests, such as snails or their eggs, and quarantine the plant if necessary before placement in the display tank.
Safe Anchoring Methods for Gravel Tanks
Since burying the rhizome is detrimental, the most reliable method for securing Anubias involves attaching it to hardscape elements within the tank. This mimics the plant’s natural epiphytic growth pattern, where it anchors itself to surfaces like driftwood or porous rocks. The plant will naturally send out new, fine roots that grip the hardscape over time, securing it permanently in place.
Hardscape Attachment
Attaching the plant can be done using a few different materials. Thin cotton thread or fishing line is often wrapped gently but firmly around the rhizome and the chosen hardscape element. Alternatively, cyanoacrylate gel, commonly known as super glue, can be used to bond the rhizome directly to the surface. This adhesive is inert and safe for aquarium use once it cures.
Direct Gravel Anchoring
While hardscape attachment is preferred, it is possible to anchor Anubias directly into a gravel substrate by burying only its thin, white roots. To perform this technique, the entire rhizome must be positioned precisely on top of the gravel, with only the fine roots pushed down into the substrate layer. This ensures the oxygen-sensitive rhizome remains exposed to circulating water while the roots hold the plant in position. Care must be taken not to allow the gravel to cover the thick, horizontal stem, which leads to tissue decay.