🌿 Why Anubias Melt, Rot, and How to Prevent It

Understanding and Preventing Anubias Melt

Anubias species are among the most popular aquarium plants, loved for their hardy nature, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. However, even these resilient plants can experience issues like melting or rhizome rot, especially right after planting. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it will help keep your Anubias healthy and thriving for years to come.

🌱 What Is “Anubias Melt”?

“Melt” refers to a sudden deterioration where the plant’s leaves turn soft, translucent, and disintegrate within a few days. It can look alarming, but it doesn’t always mean the plant is dead.

Common Causes of Melt:

• Transition shock: When moved from emersed (grown above water) to submerged (underwater) conditions, old leaves may die off as the plant adapts.

• Sudden parameter change: Rapid shifts in temperature, pH, or hardness can stress the plant.

• Poor water flow or low oxygen: Stagnant areas can suffocate the plant tissues.

• High ammonia or nitrate spikes: Newly cycled tanks often trigger melt in sensitive plants.

🪴 Tip: Even if the leaves melt, keep the rhizome healthy — new leaves will regrow once the plant adjusts.

🦠 What Causes Anubias Rot?

Rhizome rot is a more serious issue than melt. It starts at the rhizome — the thick, horizontal stem — and causes it to become mushy, brown, and foul-smelling.

Major Causes of Rot:

• Buried rhizome: The #1 cause of Anubias rot. When the rhizome is buried in substrate, it can’t get enough oxygen, causing it to decay.

• Overuse of glue or thread: Sealing too tightly with super glue or thread prevents oxygen flow to the rhizome.

• Bacterial infection: Damaged or dying tissue invites bacteria and fungi to spread through the plant.

• Old, decaying leaves: If not pruned, they can trap detritus and promote bacterial growth.

💧 How to Prevent Melt and Rot

Keeping your Anubias healthy is easy once you understand its natural growth habits.

✅ Proper Planting Technique

• Never bury the rhizome. Attach the plant to rocks, driftwood, or decor using cotton thread or plant glue — only the roots should touch the substrate.

• Provide moderate water flow. It helps prevent bacterial buildup and keeps the rhizome oxygenated.

• Use clean tools. When trimming or splitting Anubias, always use sterilized scissors to avoid infection.

💡 Ideal Tank Conditions

• Lighting: Low to moderate (avoid direct, intense light that causes algae).

• Water temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• CO₂: Optional but beneficial for lush growth.

🍃 Maintenance Tips

• Remove yellow or soft leaves promptly.

• Gently rinse off detritus or algae buildup.

• If rot begins, cut off the damaged portion of the rhizome and reattach the healthy part.