Anubias Guide: 7 Gorgeous Anubias and How To Care For Them Like An Expert

This comprehensive guide explores the many different Anubias species, delve into their care requirements, and provides expert tips for growing and maintaining these precious aquatic species. So dive in and explore the fascinating world of Anubias plants!

The Anubias plant includes many different species, each with its own characteristics and charm. In this section, we will introduce you to the most popular and attractive Anubias species for aquarists:

Anubias Nana:

Common Name: Nana Anubias.

Anubias nana is known for its hardiness and ease of care, making it a popular choice for beginner aquarists. It can grow in a wide range of water parameters, including low-light conditions and a wide range of pH levels. It can also tolerate a range of water hardness levels.

The plant is typically anchored to rocks, driftwood, or other aquarium decor using a fishing line or a plant glue gel. It should not be planted on a substrate, which can lead to root rot. Anubias nana can also be left to float freely in the aquarium.

Required parameters:

   - Growth Rate: Slow

   - Max Size: 5-7 inches (12-18 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

   - Lighting Requirements: Low to moderate lighting. It can thrive in low light conditions.

   - Placement: Can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or planted in the substrate. Avoid burying the rhizome; it should be exposed.

Anubias Lucy:

Common Name: Lucy Anubias.

The аnubiаs рlаnts fаmily hаs а lаrge number оf different сultivаrs аnd sрeсies. This diversity рrоvides а huge rаnge оf leаf shарes аnd sizes, mоstly in а lоvely deeр green соlоur with slightly lighter green new leаves. Аnubiаs аre slоw-grоwing, lоng term аnd hаrdy рlаnts thаt саn tоlerаte а wide rаnge оf wаter соnditiоns аnd light levels.

Heаlthy аnubiаs саre invоlves three brоаd аreаs: wаter раrаmeters, lighting needs аnd рlаnting methоds. Аnubiаs саre is рretty eаsy, mаking it а gооd рlаnt fоr hоbbyists just stаrting оut. Аnubiаs саn dо well in tаnks оf аny size оr shape.

Required parameters:

   - Growth Rate: Slow

   - Max Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

   - Lighting Requirements: Low to moderate lighting. It can thrive in low light conditions.

   - Placement: Can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or planted in the substrate. Avoid burying the rhizome; it should be exposed.

Anubias Emerald Heart:

Common Name: Emerald Heart Anubias

Anubias Emerald Heart can be found naturally growing in rivers of Africa. This plant is very hardy and has the reputation of being nearly indestructible. It can grow in almost all conditions, under very low lighting and without CO2 supplementation. 

This plant prefers to be tied to driftwood or rock but can be planted in the substrate. The leaves are thick and can last for years. Be sure not to bury the rhizome, as it will rot. Fish won't eat Anubias Emerald Heart, so it is perfect for aquariums with Cichlids and Goldfish.

Required parameters:

   - Max Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

   - Lighting Requirements: Low to moderate lighting. It can thrive in low light conditions.

   - Placement: Can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or planted in the substrate. Avoid burying the rhizome; it should be exposed.

Anubias Pinto:

Common Name: Pinto Anubias

The Pinto Anubias is a quirk of nature that has been propagated from a normal green population using selection. The light green variegation can be more or less pronounced, so only the most beautiful plants are propagated further in the production plant.

 This variety is very slow-growing and requires more light than the original green form. Due to its small size, the 'Pinto' makes an attractive addition to Nano Cubes and can be used as an eye-catcher. This new plant creates excellent contrast on black lava rock and on dark-coloured roots.

Required parameters:

   - Max Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

Anubias Isabelle:

Common Name: Isabelle Anubias

Anubias is one of the more popular and resilient freshwater aquarium plants. The good news is Anubias is hardy, so it's a great plant for beginners. Anubias is noted for its thick rhizome, strong root structure and durable green leaves. Depending on the variety, Anubias makes a great foreground, midground, or even background plant. Either way, it can add a long-lasting splash of rich green colour to any aquarium.

Its hardy nature means it can be kept in a variety of conditions. It can grow both partially or fully submerged, making it popular for a range of aquariums and aquariums. As one of the shortest plants available, it is ideal for covering the substrate and providing habitats for bottom-dwelling fish (like loaches and catfish). This leaves more free swimming space higher up in the water.

Required parameters:

   - Care Level: Easy

   - Growth Rate: Slow

   - Max Size: 5-7 inches (12-18 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

Anubias'  Petite' Singapore:

Common Name: Petite Singapore Anubias

Anubias sp. 'Petite' is a mutation that appeared in cultivation at the Oriental Aquarium plant nursery in Singapore.

It stays less than 5 cm tall and has very small leaves and a rhizome of 5-10 cm or more from which the leaves will grow. Branches well and creates dense groups. Undemanding like the other Anubias and does not appreciate high light intensity either.

An ideal plant for miniature landscapes in small aquariums but will also attract attention in larger tanks. It is most decorative when attached to stones or roots, and like other Anubias, it should be attached with a fishing line until it gains a hold. If planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome, as this may cause the plant to rot and die.

Required parameters:

   - Max Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (19 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

Anubias Jenny on Driftwood.

Common Name: Jenny Anubias

Anubias Jenny is an Australian-bred cultivar of Anubias. Broad, dark-green leaves and a strong growth habit.

Anubis Jenny, also known as Aubius, is one of the more popular and resilient freshwater aquarium plants. The good news is Anubias is hardy, so it's a great plant for beginners. Anubias is noted for its thick rhizome, strong root structure and durable green leaves. Depending on the variety, Anubias makes a great foreground, midground or even background plant. Either way, it can add a long-lasting splash of rich green colour to any aquarium.

Required parameters:

   - Max Size: 5-7 inches (12-18 cm)

   - Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 litres)

   - Water Conditions: Temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water.

Anubias plants are some of the most popular and versatile additions to any aquarium, loved by aquarists for their stamina, adaptability, and lush green beauty. As a staple in the aquarium world, it is essential to understand how to care for and grow these interesting species.