The Complete Guide to Anubias

by Bob Steenfott March 20, 2026

Introduction to Anubias

Anubias is one of the most iconic and widely used aquarium plant genera in the freshwater hobby. Native to Africa and prized for its durability, Anubias has earned a reputation as one of the most forgiving plants you can grow.

What makes Anubias stand out is its combination of toughness and aesthetic appeal. Thick, dark green leaves, slow growth, and the ability to thrive in low-light conditions make it a staple in everything from beginner tanks to high-end aquascapes.

At its core, Anubias is a rhizome plant, meaning it grows horizontally along a thick stem (the rhizome), with leaves and roots branching out from it. This growth structure is key to understanding both its care and its common pitfalls.

Quick Care Summary (At a Glance)

Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Slow
Lighting: Low to moderate
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.8
Placement: Attached to wood/rock (never buried)
CO2: Not required
Best For: Beginners, low-tech tanks, cichlid tanks, aquascaping accents

Why Aquarists Love Anubias

Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly
Tolerates a wide range of water conditions
Doesn’t require CO2 injection
Can be used in almost any aquascape style
Resistant to most herbivorous fish
Long-lived leaves that maintain structure and color

If you’ve ever wanted a plant that “just works,” Anubias is often the answer.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

Anubias species are native to West and Central Africa, where they are commonly found in:

Slow-moving rivers and streams
Floodplains and forest waterways
Shaded, low-light environments
Areas with submerged wood and rock

In the wild, Anubias often grows attached to hard surfaces, not rooted in substrate. During rainy seasons, these plants may be fully submerged, while in dry periods, they can grow emersed (above water).

What This Means for Aquarium Care

Understanding their natural habitat explains almost everything about keeping Anubias successfully:

Low light preference: They evolved under tree cover
Attachment growth: They naturally cling to wood and rock
Adaptability: They tolerate fluctuating conditions
Slow growth: Nutrient availability and light are limited in nature

If you replicate these conditions—even loosely—you’ll have success.

3. Physical Characteristics

Anubias plants are instantly recognizable once you know what to look for.

Leaves

Thick, leathery texture
Deep green coloration (sometimes with unique textures)
Resistant to damage from fish
Slow to grow but long-lasting

Leaf shapes vary widely depending on species, from small oval leaves to elongated spear-like forms.

Rhizome Structure

The rhizome is the most important part of the plant. It is a horizontal, thick stem that:

Produces leaves upward
Sends roots downward
Stores nutrients

Critical rule: If the rhizome is buried, it will rot.

Root System

Fine, white roots
Primarily used for anchoring rather than heavy nutrient uptake
Can attach firmly to hardscape over time

Species Differences

Anubias barteri: Larger leaves, versatile placement
Anubias nana: Compact, ideal for smaller tanks
Anubias coffeefolia: Unique textured leaves
Anubias gigantea: Large, dramatic foliage

Each species offers a slightly different visual impact while maintaining similar care requirements.

4. Popular Species and Varieties

Here’s a breakdown of commonly kept Anubias types and how they’re typically used:

Anubias barteri

Medium to large plant
Great for midground or background
Very adaptable

Anubias barteri var. nana

One of the most popular aquarium plants
Compact (typically 2–6 inches tall)
Perfect for nano tanks and foreground use

Anubias nana ‘Petite’

Even smaller version of nana
Ideal for detailed aquascaping
Often used in high-end layouts

Anubias coffeefolia

Textured, rippled leaves
Unique visual appeal
Midground placement

Anubias hastifolia

Arrow-shaped leaves
More vertical growth
Better suited for larger tanks

Anubias gigantea

Large, bold leaves
Background centerpiece
Requires more space

Choosing the Right One

Nano tanks (5–20 gallons): nana, petite
Mid-size tanks (20–55 gallons): barteri, coffeefolia
Large tanks (55+ gallons): gigantea, hastifolia

5. Aquarium Care Requirements

Tank Size

Anubias itself doesn’t require a specific tank size—it’s more about matching the plant to the tank:

Small species work in tanks as small as 5 gallons
Larger species need room to spread and look natural

Water Parameters

Anubias is extremely forgiving:

Temperature: 72–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.8
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Stability matters more than hitting exact numbers.

Lighting

Low light: Ideal
Moderate light: Acceptable with proper balance
High light: Risk of algae buildup

Anubias thrives in shaded areas. Too much light is one of the most common mistakes.

CO2

Not required
Can improve growth slightly
Often unnecessary in low-tech setups

Fertilization

Anubias is not a heavy feeder, but it still benefits from nutrients:

Liquid fertilizers: Recommended
Root tabs: Not necessary (not a root feeder)
Micronutrients: Particularly important

6. Placement and Aquascaping

Where to Place Anubias

Foreground: nana, petite
Midground: barteri, coffeefolia
Background: gigantea, hastifolia

Attaching Anubias (Step-by-Step)

Choose a piece of driftwood or rock
Position the plant where you want it
Secure it using:
- Fishing line
- Thread
- Super glue gel (aquarium safe)
Wait 2–4 weeks for roots to attach naturally
Remove or leave the tie—plant will anchor itself

The Golden Rule

Never bury the rhizome.

If you do:

Oxygen flow is restricted
The rhizome softens and rots
The plant dies

You can bury the roots lightly, but the rhizome must remain exposed.

7. Growth Rate and Expectations

Anubias is famously slow-growing.

New leaves may appear every few weeks
Growth depends on light, nutrients, and stability

What Healthy Growth Looks Like

Deep green leaves
Firm rhizome
Steady (not rapid) new leaf production

Encouraging Better Growth

Slightly increase lighting (but not too much)
Dose liquid fertilizers consistently
Maintain stable water conditions

Patience is key—Anubias rewards consistency, not tinkering.

8. Common Problems and Mistakes

Rhizome Rot

Cause:

Burying the rhizome
Poor water flow

Solution:

Keep rhizome exposed
Ensure good circulation

Algae on Leaves

Because Anubias grows slowly, algae can settle on its leaves easily.

Common triggers:

Too much light
Nutrient imbalance
Inconsistent maintenance

Solutions:

Reduce lighting intensity or duration
Add algae eaters (shrimp, snails)
Maintain regular water changes

Melting

Anubias can melt when transitioning between environments.

Causes:

Drastic parameter changes
Switching from emersed to submerged growth

Solution:

Be patient—new leaves will adapt

Lighting Mistakes

Too much light is far worse than too little.

Leads to algae issues
Doesn’t significantly speed up growth

9. Propagation

Anubias is incredibly easy to propagate.

How to Divide

Identify a healthy rhizome with multiple leaves
Use sharp scissors or a blade
Cut the rhizome into sections (each with 3–4 leaves)
Reattach each piece to hardscape

Best Practices

Don’t cut tiny sections—larger pieces establish faster
Always use clean tools
Avoid damaging roots excessively

Given time, each piece becomes a full plant.

10. Tank Mates and Compatibility

Ideal Tank Mates

Community fish
Tetras, rasboras, danios
Corydoras
Shrimp and snails

Why It Works with Cichlids and Goldfish

Anubias is one of the few plants that holds up in tougher tanks:

Thick leaves resist damage
Doesn’t rely on substrate
Can be attached out of reach

Potential Issues

Large herbivores may still nibble
Goldfish may uproot unsecured plants

Secure attachment solves most problems.

11. Advanced Tips for Experienced Aquarists

Emersed Growth

Anubias thrives when grown above water:

Faster growth
Larger leaves
Easier propagation

This is how many commercial growers produce it.

High-End Aquascaping

Anubias is often used as:

Accent plant on driftwood
Texture contrast in minimalist layouts
Focal point in nano aquascapes

Pairing it with mosses and bucephalandra creates stunning compositions.

Rare Varieties and Collector Appeal

Variegated forms
Mini and “bonsai” varieties
Uncommon regional species

Collectors value slow-growing plants because they maintain shape over time.

Long-Term Health Strategies

Periodically trim older leaves
Prevent algae before it starts
Keep lighting balanced
Maintain consistent fertilization

Anubias can live for years—even decades—with proper care.

12. Why Anubias is One of the Best Aquarium Plants

Anubias earns its reputation through reliability.

Strengths

Nearly indestructible
Adaptable to almost any setup
Beautiful, natural appearance
Works in low-tech and high-end tanks

Who Should Keep It

Beginners: Easy success right away
Intermediate hobbyists: Reliable structure plant
Advanced aquarists: Precision tool for aquascaping

Final Thoughts

If you could only keep one plant in a freshwater aquarium, Anubias would be a top contender. It’s not flashy in the traditional sense—it doesn’t grow fast or demand attention—but that’s exactly what makes it special.

It’s dependable. It’s versatile. And when used correctly, it elevates any aquarium from basic to intentional.

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