🌿 Anubias

Grow as an epiphyte/rheophyte rather than a rooted substrate plant: tie or glue the plant to rock or driftwood so the rhizome stays fully exposed. If placed in sand/gravel, bury only the roots and keep the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot. Anubias tolerates inert substrates; nutrition is largely taken from the water column (supplement with liquid fertiliser or place root tabs near the roots if using a substrate).

Anubias (Araceae) is not normally “sown” from seed in cultivation; it is typically propagated and planted from rhizome pieces or potted divisions. Planting (aquarium or paludarium): - Use healthy plants with a firm, green rhizome and intact roots. - Do not bury the rhizome. If the rhizome is covered by substrate it commonly rots. - Attach the plant by tying or gluing the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or hardscape; or set the roots lightly into gravel/sand while keeping the rhizome exposed. - Place in low to moderate light; high light is unnecessary and often increases algae on the slow-growing leaves. Division (recommended propagation): - Cut the rhizome into sections with a clean blade; each section should retain several leaves and roots. - Reattach/plant each division as above and allow time to re-root. If attempting seed: - Seed production is uncommon underwater; flowering and pollination are more feasible in emersed, humid conditions. Fresh seed must be sown immediately on a consistently warm, moist medium; do not allow it to dry out.

Anubias are slow-growing, low-demand aquatic plants and generally need only modest supplemental nutrition. In established, lightly stocked aquaria they often grow acceptably without added fertilizer. If growth is slow or leaves pale, use a complete aquarium fertilizer (macro- and micronutrients) at a low to moderate dose 1–2 times per week, adjusting to avoid algae. Because Anubias commonly feed from the water column, liquid fertilizer is usually sufficient; if plants are rooted in nutrient-poor substrate, a small root tab placed near (not against) the roots can be used every 6–10 weeks. Avoid burying the rhizome in substrate and avoid heavy fertilization; excess nutrients with low light/slow growth commonly promotes algae on leaves. Regular water changes help prevent nutrient buildup.

Anubias are slow‑growing rhizome plants; pruning is mainly selective leaf removal and occasional division. Remove yellowing, algae‑covered, or damaged leaves by cutting the petiole cleanly as close to the rhizome as possible with sharp scissors/razor, taking care not to nick the rhizome. Avoid “mowing” the plant; heavy leaf removal slows growth. If the plant is overgrown, divide by cutting the rhizome into sections that each retain several leaves and roots, then reattach the sections to hardscape. Roots may be lightly trimmed when re-mounting. Keep the rhizome unburied after pruning to prevent rot.