How to Grow Anubias and Prevent Anubias Melt - A Guide by Aquarium Plants Factory

Anubias is a popular and low-maintenance aquatic plant species that is commonly used in aquariums and aquascaping setups. With its slow growth rate, sturdy structure, and tolerance for a wide range of water parameters, Anubias is the perfect choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. In this blog, we'll guide you through how to grow Anubias in your aquarium and highlight the different types of Anubias available.

1. Lighting: Anubias can tolerate low to moderate lighting, so it is a great choice for aquarium setups with less intense lighting. However, if you want to encourage growth and maintain the plant's vibrant green color, provide at least 2-3 watts of LED lighting or fluorescent bulb per gallon of water.

2. Substrate: Anubias can be grown either emersed or submersed and can be attached to wood, rock, or other hard surfaces. They can also be grown on soil or gravel, but they do not require a substrate to grow.

3. Water Parameters: Anubias is a very tolerant plant species that can grow in a wide range of water parameters, including pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0. It is important to maintain stable water parameters and avoid drastic changes in temperature and pH.

4. Fertilization: Although Anubias is a slow-growing plant, it does benefit from occasional fertilization with a high-quality aquarium plant fertilizer. This will provide the plant with the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and vibrant color.

5. Pruning: Anubias does not require frequent pruning, but it is important to remove any yellow or dead leaves regularly to maintain a healthy and attractive appearance.

6. Types of Anubias: There are many different types of Anubias available, each with their own unique growth habits and leaf shapes. Some popular types of Anubias include Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, and Anubias hastifolia.

Why Anubias Melt and How to Prevent It

Anubias melt is caused by stress to the plants, which can be caused by a number of factors, including:

1. Sudden changes in water parameters: Anubias plants are sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions, such as pH, temperature, and hardness, and can experience stress if these parameters change rapidly.

2. Over-fertilization: Excess nutrients in the water can trigger Anubias melt by causing the plant to absorb more nutrients than it can handle.

3. Insufficient light: Anubias plants do not require high levels of light, but they still need enough light to support their growth. If the lighting is too weak, the plants can become stressed and trigger Anubias melt.

4. Water flow: Anubias plants prefer still or slow-moving water, and can become stressed if exposed to strong currents or waves in the aquarium.

5. Poor water quality: Poor water quality, such as high levels of pollutants or excess organic matter, can stress Anubias plants and trigger Anubias melt.

6. Inadequate substrate: Anubias plants prefer to be attached to rocks or wood, rather than planted in the substrate. If the plant is planted in the substrate, it can become waterlogged and experience stress, triggering Anubias melt.

7. Glue: The most common way to kill Anubias is using glue the wrong way. If the glue get to the rhizome, which can trigger stress and cause Anubias melt. Only tiny amount of glue can be use in the root part to attached to stone or driftwood. If the glue get to the rhizome, Anubias can’t grow and will be melted. 

By addressing these factors and maintaining stable water conditions, you can prevent Anubias melt and ensure the health of your Anubias plants.

In conclusion, Anubias is a popular and low-maintenance aquatic plant species that adds a touch of beauty to any aquarium setup. With its slow growth rate, sturdy structure, and tolerance for a wide range of water parameters, it is the perfect choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. If you're looking to buy Anubias, consider purchasing from Aquarium Plants Factory, a leading supplier of high-quality freshwater aquarium plants. Our wide selection and affordable prices will help you create the perfect underwater environment for your fish and plants.