Anubias are considered indestructible plants. In their native West Africa they live in swampy areas. They are therefore used to surviving high humidity and plenty of water without harm. This makes them interesting plants in this country too. This is how they are planted in their place.
How can Anubias plants be used in an aquarium or terrarium?
Anubias plants can either be planted in sand, tied to stones or placed on roots. They are ideal for aquariums and terrariums because they can tolerate high humidity and lots of water and are rarely eaten by animals.
Application options
Due to their water tolerance, Anubias are typical aquarium plants for us. They grow happily underwater, and some species even bloom in it. The bitter substances they contain mean that they are hardly eaten by the animal inhabitants.
What is less known is that Anubias also make wonderful plants for terrariums. Species such as Anubias hastifolia, Anubias heterophylla and Anubias pynaertii are even better off there than in an aquarium.
Tip
If you only have a mini aquarium, you still don't have to do without an Anubia. Go for Anubia nana Bonsai, which is tiny at only 3-5 cm high.
Plant in sand
Without an anchor, Anubias would swim back and forth in the water. However, they are rarely planted in the traditional way we know it. This is because their rhizome likes to be surrounded by water. However, it is possible to plant them in the sand.
- part of the rhizome should stick out of the sand layer
- So pull the plant up a bit after planting
Tip
Alternatively, you can tie or glue the Anubia to a flat stone. While the stone is buried in sand, almost the entire plant is in the water.
Sit Up
It is more ideal if the Anubia sits on an object and holds on to it with its roots. Large pieces of roots, which are offered as natural decoration in aquarium shops, are ideal for this. They usually come from trees in swampy areas and have been specially prepared for their existence in the aquarium.
The Anubia is first glued to the root with a special aquarium plant glue (€9.00 on Amazon) or tied with a suitable yarn. It is then placed in the aquarium or terrarium, where it is given time to form new roots. As soon as this has happened, the yarn can be removed again.
