Anubias is a popular aquatic plant known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Its specialized structure includes a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome, from which the leaves and roots emerge. This structure dictates a unique planting method. Securing the plant correctly is necessary to prevent the rhizome from rotting and ensure successful establishment in the aquarium.
Preparing Anubias for the Aquarium
After acquiring the Anubias, carefully remove it from its packaging, which often includes a pot and dense material like rock wool. This material must be gently but thoroughly removed from the root system. Rinsing the entire plant under clean, dechlorinated water helps remove any remaining debris or potential contaminants.
Inspect the plant for yellowing, damaged, or algae-covered leaves, trimming them off close to the rhizome using sharp scissors. The roots primarily function as anchors and can be trimmed back significantly, leaving one to two inches of length. This trimming encourages new growth and simplifies securing the plant to hardscape. Avoid damaging the central rhizome during preparation, as it stores nutrients and is the plant’s main source of growth.
Securing Anubias Without Burying the Rhizome
The rhizome must remain exposed to the water column to prevent decay. If this thick, horizontal stem is buried beneath the substrate, it will be deprived of oxygen and begin to rot. Therefore, Anubias should be attached to hardscape, such as driftwood or porous rock, instead of being planted in gravel or sand.
One common method for securing the plant is using aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel (super glue). Apply a small amount of gel to the hardscape or the underside of the rhizome, then press the plant firmly against the surface for a few seconds. The glue cures rapidly, even when wet, creating a secure bond without releasing harmful chemicals. Only glue the roots and the very bottom of the rhizome, keeping the majority of the stem exposed.
Alternatively, the plant can be tied to the hardscape using thin, dark cotton thread or fishing line. Wrap the thread around the rhizome and the hardscape item, securing the plant without cinching the rhizome too tightly, which could damage the tissue. New root growth will eventually conceal the thread or line. Another technique involves gently wedging the rhizome into a small hole or crevice in the hardscape, ensuring it is held firmly but not crushed.
Optimal Placement and Ongoing Care
Once the Anubias is securely attached to its hardscape, consider its environmental preferences for placement. Anubias is native to shaded areas and prefers low to moderate lighting conditions. This helps limit algae growth on its slow-growing leaves. Placing the plant beneath the shadow of taller decorations or in a lower-light area of the tank is beneficial.
The plant responds well to moderate water flow, which helps deliver nutrients directly to the leaves and rhizome. Anubias absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column. While it can survive on nutrients from fish waste, supplementing with a liquid fertilizer containing trace elements like iron and potassium supports more robust growth. If the leaves develop a fuzzy green or brown coating, it signals excessive light or insufficient water circulation, requiring adjustment to prevent algae accumulation.