Anubias Care Guide
Quick Answer
Anubias care is beginner-friendly because this is one of the easiest live aquarium plants for beginners. It grows well in low to moderate light, does not require added CO₂, and should be attached to rock or driftwood instead of having its rhizome buried in the substrate.
At a Glance
Scientific Name: Anubias species
Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Slow
Lighting: Low to Moderate
CO₂: Not Required
Placement: Foreground, Midground, or Attached to Decorations
Propagation: Rhizome Division
What Is Anubias?
Anubias is a group of hardy freshwater plants commonly used in beginner aquariums.
Popular varieties include:
- Anubias nana
- Anubias barteri
- Anubias coffeefolia
- Anubias petite
- Anubias congensis
The exact size and leaf shape depend on the variety, but their care is generally similar.
Why Anubias Is Good for Beginners
Anubias is popular because it is:
- Hardy
- Slow growing
- Easy to maintain
- Tolerant of low light
- Suitable for many aquarium sizes
- Less likely to be damaged by fish than delicate plants
It is a good choice for aquariums where more demanding plants may struggle.
Lighting Requirements
Anubias grows well under low to moderate lighting.
A lighting schedule of approximately:
6 to 8 hours per day
is usually enough.
Very strong lighting can encourage algae to grow on the plant’s slow-growing leaves.
Water Parameters
Anubias tolerates a wide range of freshwater conditions.
Temperature:
72–82°F
pH:
6.0–8.0
Water Hardness:
Soft to hard water
Stable water conditions are more important than trying to reach one exact number.
How to Plant Anubias
Do not bury the thick horizontal rhizome.
The rhizome is the firm stem where the leaves and roots grow.
Instead:
- Attach the plant to driftwood.
- Attach it to a rock.
- Place the roots lightly in the substrate while keeping the rhizome exposed.
- Use thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue.
Over time, the roots will attach naturally.
Why You Should Not Bury the Rhizome
Burying the rhizome can cause it to rot.
Signs of rhizome rot may include:
- Soft tissue
- Dark or mushy areas
- Leaves falling away
- The plant slowly declining
Keeping the rhizome exposed allows water to move around it.
Does Anubias Need Fertilizer?
Anubias usually grows well in established aquariums with fish waste and regular water changes.
It may also benefit from:
- Liquid aquarium plant fertilizer
- Trace minerals
- Potassium supplements when needed
Root tabs are usually less important because Anubias absorbs many nutrients through its leaves and exposed roots.
Does Anubias Need CO₂?
No.
Anubias grows successfully without added carbon dioxide.
CO₂ may increase growth slightly, but it is not necessary for a healthy beginner aquarium.
Growth Rate
Anubias grows slowly.
This is normal.
A slow growth rate means:
- Less trimming
- Less maintenance
- Fewer sudden changes in appearance
It also means algae can sometimes grow on older leaves if lighting is too strong.
How to Propagate Anubias
Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome.
Wait until the plant has several healthy leaves.
Then:
- Remove the plant from the aquarium if needed.
- Use clean scissors or a sharp blade.
- Cut the rhizome into sections.
- Make sure each section has several leaves and roots.
- Attach each section to rock or driftwood.
Each piece can grow into a separate plant.
Common Anubias Problems
Algae on the Leaves
Because Anubias grows slowly, algae may settle on its leaves.
Reduce excessive lighting and maintain regular aquarium care.
You can gently wipe algae from sturdy leaves when necessary.
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing may be caused by:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Old leaves
- Poor water conditions
- Plant adjustment after purchase
Remove badly damaged leaves and observe the new growth.
Holes in the Leaves
Small holes may indicate:
- Potassium deficiency
- Physical damage
- Fish or snails grazing
- Older leaves deteriorating
Healthy new leaves are usually the best sign that the plant is recovering.
Melting After Planting
Some leaves may deteriorate after the plant is moved to a new aquarium.
This can happen while the plant adjusts to new water conditions.
Remove dead leaves and allow time for new underwater growth.
Best Placement in the Aquarium
Smaller varieties work well in the:
- Foreground
- Midground
- On small rocks
- On driftwood
Larger varieties can be used in the:
- Midground
- Background
- Around larger decorations
Avoid placing Anubias where tall plants completely block its light.
Best Tank Mates
Anubias works well with many freshwater animals, including:
- Bettas
- Angelfish
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Gouramis
- Corydoras
- Plecos
- Shrimp
- Snails
Its strong leaves make it a useful option for aquariums with fish that may damage softer plants.
Can Goldfish Live with Anubias?
Yes.
Goldfish may still investigate or nibble the plant, but Anubias has tougher leaves than many aquarium plants.
Attaching it firmly to a rock or piece of driftwood can help prevent goldfish from uprooting it.
Maintenance
Anubias needs very little maintenance.
Basic care includes:
- Remove damaged leaves.
- Wipe away algae when needed.
- Keep the rhizome exposed.
- Trim overcrowded roots if necessary.
- Divide large plants over time.
Because it grows slowly, frequent trimming is unnecessary.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid:
- Burying the rhizome
- Using too much light
- Expecting rapid growth
- Adding too much fertilizer
- Leaving algae-covered leaves untreated
- Choosing a variety that grows too large for the aquarium
Rick’s Experience
During my years breeding tropical fish and operating FinTastik Tropical Fish, Anubias was one of the plants I regularly recommended to beginners. It was hardy, easy to place, and worked well in many types of freshwater aquariums.
The most common mistake was burying the rhizome. Once beginners learned to attach it to rock or driftwood instead, they usually had much better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anubias easy to grow?
Yes. It is one of the easiest freshwater aquarium plants.
Can Anubias grow in gravel?
The roots can rest in gravel, but the rhizome must remain exposed.
Does Anubias need CO₂?
No. It grows well without added CO₂.
Why is my Anubias growing slowly?
Slow growth is normal for Anubias.
Can Anubias grow in low light?
Yes. It is well suited to low-light aquariums.
Can Anubias be attached to driftwood?
Yes. Driftwood and rocks are among the best places to attach it.
Rick Recommends
For a first planted aquarium, attach one or two Anubias plants to a small piece of driftwood or a smooth rock.
Place them in low to moderate light and leave the rhizomes uncovered. This provides a natural appearance with very little maintenance.
Related Articles
- Live Aquarium Plants Guide
- Best Beginner Aquarium Plants
- Java Fern Care Guide
- Amazon Sword Care Guide
- Java Moss Care Guide
- Aquarium Lighting for Beginners
- Aquarium Substrates for Beginners
Final Thoughts
Anubias is an excellent plant for beginners because it is hardy, attractive, and easy to maintain. Give it low to moderate light, keep the rhizome above the substrate, and allow it time to grow. With proper placement, Anubias can remain healthy and attractive for many years.