Anubias Care Guide: Light, Planting and Rhizome Problems
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Anubias is a slow-growing aquarium plant that is easiest to keep when its rhizome stays above the substrate, its light is controlled, and it is attached securely to hardscape or allowed to rest where the rhizome is not buried. Patience matters: healthy Anubias does not need to be pushed into fast growth.
At Razz Aquatics, we treat Anubias as a dependable design plant for stable freshwater aquariums. It can add texture to wood and stone while leaving open swimming room for fish and grazing room for invertebrates.
By Razz Aquatics Published October 3, 2026
Quick Anubias care cards
Rhizome placement Do not bury the thick horizontal rhizome. Roots can anchor to hardscape or settle into the substrate while the rhizome remains exposed.
Light Keep lighting measured and consistent. Because Anubias grows slowly, excess light can make algae management harder on its older leaves.
Growth Expect gradual growth. New leaves and a firm rhizome are more meaningful signs than rapid size changes.
Where to place Anubias
Attach Anubias to driftwood, stone, or other stable hardscape with a plant-safe tie or other gentle method. Place it where it fits the aquarium’s light and flow, not where it will be covered by substrate or constantly moved during maintenance. Its broad leaves make a useful visual contrast next to finer plants such as Java moss.
Why the rhizome must stay exposed
The rhizome is the plant’s thick, horizontal stem. Burying it is a common avoidable mistake. Keep that portion visible and allow the roots to do the anchoring; this makes it easier to inspect the plant and reposition it without uprooting a planted area.
Light and algae on Anubias leaves
Anubias leaves grow slowly, so algae can become obvious when light, feeding, circulation, and maintenance are out of balance. Start by checking the aquarium-wide routine. Remove only badly affected leaves when appropriate, avoid stripping a healthy plant bare, and make one measured adjustment at a time.
Simple troubleshooting cards
Rhizome was buried Carefully expose it and attach or position the plant so the rhizome remains above the substrate.
Leaves have algae Review light duration, maintenance, circulation, and feeding before making a targeted change.
Plant looks unchanged Slow growth is normal. Look for firm structure and gradual new leaves rather than fast expansion.
