Anubias
Anubias is the plant that made aquascaping beginner-proof - a slow, tough, dark-green rosette that grows tied to wood or rock rather than planted in substrate, shrugging off low light and neglect.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
Anubias is the plant that made aquascaping beginner-proof - a slow, tough, dark-green rosette that grows tied to wood or rock rather than planted in substrate, shrugging off low light and neglect. Its one hard rule: never bury the rhizome. (Anubias barteri.)
Origin & Natural Habitat
Tropical West and Central Africa, growing along shaded stream banks and over submerged rock and roots - which is why it is an epiphyte, not a substrate plant.
Appearance
Thick, leathery, deep-green leaves on a creeping horizontal rhizome; slow to add a leaf but nearly indestructible once settled. Dwarf forms like 'nana' and 'petite' stay palm-sized.
Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits
- Thrives in low light with no CO2
- Attaches to hardscape - no planting needed
- Tough leaves resist most fish and snails
- Extremely slow and forgiving
Care
Light: Low to moderate; too much light just grows algae on the slow leaves, not faster growth.
Water: 22-28°C, pH 6.0-7.8, soft to moderately hard - very adaptable aquarium water.
Substrate: None - tie or glue the rhizome to wood or rock; roots grip on their own.
CO₂ & feeding: Not needed; optional liquid fertiliser helps. Grows slowly either way.
Placement: Foreground to midground, on hardscape, ideally shaded by taller plants.
Extra: ⚠️ Never bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in substrate - it will rot and kill the plant. Only the roots go down; the rhizome stays exposed.
Propagation
Cut the rhizome into sections, each with a few leaves and roots; re-attach to new hardscape.
Common Problems & Pests
Black-beard algae on old leaves (from too much light/nutrients); rhizome rot (from being buried). Rare 'anubias melt' after big changes - it usually recovers.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to fish, shrimp and snails, and not known to be toxic to cats or dogs if nibbled. A safe, planted-tank staple.
Best Suited For
- Absolute beginners
- Low-tech, no-CO2 tanks
- Tanks with plant-nibbling fish
- Attaching to driftwood and rock
FAQ
Why are my anubias leaves covered in algae?
Too much light for such a slow grower. Shade it, reduce the photoperiod, and let shrimp or otos clean the leathery leaves - they take it.
Can I plant anubias in the gravel?
Only the roots, never the rhizome. Bury that thick horizontal stem and it rots. Tie the rhizome to wood or rock instead.