Anubias Plant Aquatic Care Made Simple — The Unkillable Plant with a Soul

Mayur Dev|November 3, 2025

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Anubias Aquatic Plant Care Made Simple: - The Unkillable Plant with a Soul

Anubias is a hardy, rhizome-based aquatic plant known for its thick, dark green leaves and calm, unhurried growth. It doesn’t grow fast, it grows wise. Rooted in rocks or driftwood instead of soil, it survives where most plants fail, earning its title as the monk of the aquarium, steady, grounded, and eternally green.

Water Parameter :

Parameter	Ideal Range	Notes
Temperature	20–28°C (72–82°F)	Suitable for most tropical aquariums; flexible
pH	6.0–7.5	Slightly acidic to neutral for healthy growth
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard water	Tolerates most tap water conditions

Temperature:
Anubias Nana 'Long Wavy' thrives in a wide temperature range of 20–28°C, making it suitable for most tropical aquariums. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various tank setups without stress

pH : It prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This range supports healthy growth and prevents nutrient lockout.

Hardness:
The plant tolerates soft to moderately hard water, making it compatible with most tap water conditions. Extreme hardness is rarely an issue for this species.

2. Light & CO₂

Light requirement:
Anubias Nana 'Long Wavy' does best under low to moderate lighting. Too much light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves, while moderate light enhances its appearance and leaf texture

.CO₂:
CO₂ injection is optional. While it can boost growth and vibrancy, this plant grows well in low-tech tanks without added CO₂, making it ideal for beginners.

3. Planting Method

Soil/Substrate setup:
Never bury the rhizome in substrate, as this can cause rot. Instead, attach the plant to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape using thread, glue, or fishing line. The roots will anchor themselves over time

Hydroponic / substrate-less setup:
Anubias Nana 'Long Wavy' can thrive in hydroponic or substrate-less setups as long as the rhizome is exposed to water and not buried. This makes it versatile for various aquascaping styles.

4. Growth & Maintenance

Growth speed:
This plant grows slowly, producing new leaves at a leisurely pace. Its slow growth means less frequent maintenance but also makes it more susceptible to algae if exposed to excessive light

Trimming/pruning:
Trim away old, yellowing, or damaged leaves as needed. This helps maintain the plant’s appearance and encourages healthy new growth.

Water change needs:
Standard aquarium water changes (20–30% weekly or biweekly) are sufficient. Clean water helps prevent algae and keeps the plant healthy .

5. Fertilisation

Root vs. water column feeding:
As an epiphyte, Anubias absorbs nutrients from the water column rather than the substrate. Root tabs are unnecessary unless the plant’s roots reach into nutrient-rich substrate.

Type of fertiliser:
Use a general liquid fertiliser to provide essential nutrients. Iron supplementation can help maintain deep green leaf colour, but avoid over-fertilising to prevent algae.

6. Propagation

Method:
Propagate by dividing the rhizome. Healthy plants produce side shoots that can be separated and attached elsewhere in the tank. Each division should have at least a few leaves and a portion of the rhizome.

7. Common Problems & Fixes

Rhizome rot →Never bury the rhizome; always attach it above the substrate to prevent rot.

Algae on leaves →If algae develops, reduce light intensity or duration, increase water flow, and gently clean the leaves. Keeping the plant in shaded areas also helps minimize algae.

8. Aquascape Placement

Foreground or midground, attached to wood or rocks:
Its compact size and attractive wavy leaves make it ideal for the foreground or midground, especially when attached to driftwood or rocks for a natural look.

9. Pro Tips

Do not bury rhizome; thrives in shaded spots; very hardy and beginner-friendly:
Always keep the rhizome exposed, place in shaded or partially shaded areas to reduce algae, and enjoy its resilience and ease of care—perfect for both beginners and advanced aquascapers.