Anubias is a genus of aquatic and bog plants in the family Araceae. All species grow directly in water and can become quite large, and their thick leaves give them a rather bushy appearance.
Anubias species are often confused with the Cryptocoryne genus due to similar-looking leaves which appear on both genera.
History Anubias plants are native to tropical West Africa. They grow in the water of rainforests, where they sometimes form large floating rafts on the surface of rivers and lakes.
The genus was named after the Egyptian god Anubis who has a canine head similar to that of some species.
Features Anubias Nana is one of several types that may be used as an aquarium plant; however, it is not particularly striking or colorful, so it may be best suited for larger tanks if you’re looking for aesthetics.
This type will need slightly less light than others since it originates from shaded waters, but it can still grow under moderate lighting with no problem.
Propagation is done by cutting the rhizome into pieces, with each one having at least two nodes. Insert these in the substrate to grow or attach them to rocks or driftwood.
How To Take Care of Anubias Plants?
Anubias plants will root easily in a wide variety of substrates, so they require little care when placing them.
While driftwood or rocks are ideal for making the plant appear more natural, you may want to add some roots over time to the plastic planter instead if aesthetics aren’t a concern.
The Anubias plants are cultivated in Asia, where they grow abundantly. You will see this plant widely used for horticulture and decoration.
It is very attractive, but it can be used as an ornamental element.
Anubias plants are perfect for any environment, whether in cold areas or hot climates. They do well both indoors and outdoors.
They are very versatile, and they can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from sixty to eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Anubias plants aren’t picky about the substrate as long as it is nutrient-rich and does not have a high pH level, which would damage its leaves.
Typical substrates used with aquatic plants will do just fine. If you are planting these aquarium plants in a freshwater environment, they will need to be planted into the substrate.
Anubias plants can grow very fast if given the right conditions. They generally only grow one to two inches per year; however, they can reach up to five inches within twelve months under optimal conditions.
How To Plant Anubias?
If you are planting an Anubias plant inside your house, choosing a decorative container is the best way to proceed.
You can use any container as long as it has some drainage holes for excess water to flow out. To help you decide on the proper place for this beautiful aquatic plant, here are some tips:
•Anubias plants are very low maintenance. They do not require much attention, just some occasional fertilizing and the right amount of light to flourish well.
•One thing you need to remember is that these aquarium plants cannot tolerate sudden changes in lighting conditions. For this reason, it is better to place them near a window that receives ample light and does not receive much sun.
If you plant the Anubias in a pond or stream, you must place them right at the edge of the water to allow any excess water to drain into the tank.
•When planting an Anubias, make sure you keep your fish and turtles out of the tank for two weeks. It will give them time to adjust to the new environment and prevent any potential mischievous encounters from occurring.
•These aquatic plants can be easily propagated by cutting off a piece of the rhizome and placing it in good quality water with good lighting. It is also possible to grow them outside, but always remember that these plants cannot tolerate harsh cold climates.
•Do not over-water the Anubias. Remember that it will do best to give it some time to dry out before you water it again.
•Make sure you fertilize your Anubias every two weeks during the winter and once a week when the summer comes around. It can be a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release one, whichever you prefer.
How To Propagate Anubias?
Anubias plants are very easy to propagate since they only grow from the rhizome, their root system.
In nature, these aquatic plants spread utilizing growing shoots that form on top of the rhizome and long stolons, which eventually develop into new plants.
For propagation to be successful, you have to have a well-lit area with enough humidity for the plant. You can place it in a sealed plastic bag or wrap it in damp sphagnum moss inside the box until roots start forming.
Sterilize the knife before cutting so that you do not damage the plant. While propagating, be careful to handle it as little as possible.
Now that we know how to propagate and take care of Anubias plants, let’s talk about some of their benefits:
•These aquatic plants can help with air purification since they absorb ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. They also promote growth in live organisms such as microorganisms and fish that convert those compounds into less toxic products through a natural process called biofiltration. Biofilters are biological filters that work with Anubias plants, among other aquarium plants.
•Anubias aquarium plants provide shelter for small fish and shrimp and hide places for snails, crabs, and larger fish. They come in various shapes and colors, which makes them an excellent choice for every type of aquarium.
•They do not require much light and can be grown underwater; however, they will grow faster if you place them near the surface. You can put them right at the bottom or attach them to your aquarium décor as long as there is some sort of material available for it to anchor.
•Anubias plants do not need frequent maintenance and usually stay healthy for years; however, they may sometimes develop black spots on their leaves that indicate that they are dying out or rotting from the inside. If this occurs, remove all affected leaves immediately and check if its rhizome is still firm. If it is soft, it is rotting. Then try to cure the plant by changing the water and adding gravel cleaner.
•They are ideal for tanks with African cichlids since they will be undamaged even if their sharp teeth scrape against their leaves or roots. It makes them an excellent choice for tanks where fish like this reside.
•Even though they grow slowly, there are several species of Anubias plants that can eventually become too big for your tank; however, you can easily control their growth rate by trimming away any new shoots as soon as they appear. Remember to do so carefully because these plants have brittle stems that may break apart during propagation.
•These aquatic plants are very low, less time taking care of them and more time enjoying the company of your fish.