Anubias Care Guide

Scientific Genus: Anubias spp.
Common Names: Anubias, Anubias plant, Anubias nana, Anubias barteri
Family: Araceae
Origin: Central and Western Africa

Anubias is a genus of slow-growing aquatic plants prized for their broad, hardy leaves and tolerance to low light and varying water conditions. Known for their resilience and longevity, Anubias species are excellent for beginners and experts alike, often used in aquascaping attached to driftwood, stones, or hardscape features.

Anubias are rhizome-based aquatic plants that grow thick, leathery leaves from a central rhizome. While they can grow fully or partially submerged, they thrive in low to moderate light and are often used as midground or foreground accents in aquariums and paludariums. Popular species include Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, and Anubias coffeefolia.

Key Characteristics:

• Growth Form: Slow-growing, rhizome plant
   
• Color: Deep green, sometimes with textured or rippled leaf surfaces
   
• Leaf Shape: Oval, lance-shaped, or heart-shaped depending on species
   
• Placement: Foreground, midground, or attached to hardscape
   
• Aquascaping Use: Ideal for low-tech tanks, shaded areas, and nature-style layouts
   

Anubias is highly adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, making it perfect for many setups.

• Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
   
• pH: 6.0 – 7.8
   
• Hardness: 3 – 12 dGH
   
• KH: 1 – 8 dKH
   
• CO₂: Not required, but will improve growth in high-tech setups
   

Its hardy nature makes it compatible with many community tanks and even semi-aquatic setups.

Unlike many aquatic plants, Anubias thrives in low to moderate light, which helps prevent algae from growing on its slow-growing leaves.

• Low Light: Ideal; encourages steady, healthy growth
   
• Moderate Light: Acceptable but increases risk of algae buildup
   
• High Light: Not recommended unless in shaded locations or with excellent flow and algae control
   

Photoperiod: 6–8 hours/day
Tip: Keep out of direct intense light to avoid algae on leaves

Because of its slow growth, algae can become a problem in brightly lit tanks without adequate balance.

Caring for Anubias is simple, but attention must be paid to proper placement and algae control.

• Substrate: Not required—attach to hardscape (rock, wood)
   
• Root Feeder: No—absorbs nutrients through rhizome and leaves
   
• Placement: Tie or glue to hardscape; do not bury rhizome
   

Important: Burying the rhizome will cause rot and plant death.

Anubias is a light feeder but benefits from balanced water column dosing.

• Macronutrients: Light levels of nitrate and phosphate support slow growth
   
• Micronutrients: Trace elements and iron can help deepen green coloration
   
• Routine: Weekly liquid ferts or comprehensive dosing for low-tech tanks
   

CO₂ is not necessary but will increase growth speed slightly.

• Trimming: Remove old or damaged leaves with sharp scissors
   
• Cleaning: Gently rub algae off leaves during water changes
   
• Water Flow: Moderate flow helps keep leaves free of detritus and algae
   

Algae-eating tank mates like Amano shrimp or nerite snails can help keep leaves clean.

Anubias propagates through rhizome division.

Propagation Steps:

1. Identify a healthy, mature rhizome with at least 3–4 leaves.
    
2. Cut the rhizome cleanly with a sharp blade between leaf clusters.
    
3. Reattach the new piece to hardscape or let it float until roots develop.
    
4. Each section will continue growing independently.
    

Avoid splitting too frequently, as Anubias takes time to recover and grow new leaves.

• Hardy & Beginner-Friendly: Survives wide conditions with minimal care
   
• Algae Resistance: Low light helps reduce algae growth
   
• Natural Aesthetic: Broad leaves complement wood and stone layouts
   
• Shelter for Aquatic Life: Great cover for fry, shrimp, and small fish
   
• Low Maintenance: Ideal for low-tech, low-maintenance tanks
   

IssueCauseSolutionAlgae buildup on leavesToo much light, poor flowReduce lighting, add algae eaters, increase flowYellowing leavesNutrient deficiencySupplement iron and micronutrientsRhizome rotBuried rhizomeKeep rhizome exposed and above substrateSlow or no growthNormal for species; or low nutrientsPatience; or add light dosing if needed  

SpeciesLeaf Size/ShapeSizeBest UseAnubias barteriBroad, oval10–16 inchesMidground/backgroundAnubias nanaCompact, oval3–6 inchesForeground/hardscapeAnubias nana ‘Petite’Tiny, rounded1–2 inchesNano tanks or foregroundAnubias coffeefoliaRippled texture8–12 inchesUnique texture/midgroundAnubias hastifoliaLong, arrow-shaped12–20 inchesLarger tanks, background  

Anubias is a classic aquarium plant loved for its hardiness, slow growth, and sculptural appearance. Whether you’re creating a lush jungle aquascape or adding contrast to a minimalist setup, Anubias species are a dependable choice. With low light needs and minimal fertilization requirements, they’re ideal for beginners, yet still appreciated by seasoned aquascapers.