Anubias Paco

Anubias is an excellent choice for a starter plant. 

Named after the Egyptian god of death Anubis, Anubias originates from the rivers and streams of western and central Africa. They earn their name from the dark and shady locations that they’re commonly found growing in.

Anubias is considered low tech and hardy plants, meaning they do not need a high intensity lighting conditions to do well and can survive in a wide range of water parameters. Under a high light setting, their leaves will grow more compact.

However, they prefer to be under low to medium light, as the leaves are susceptible to algae growth under high lighting. These plants are characterized by their wide, broad leaves and their dark green coloration. Anubias species grow slowly and typically takes 4-6 weeks for a new leaf to form.

Anubias is an epiphyte plant, meaning it should not be buried in substrate like other plants. The rhizome of an anubias is where all its leaves and roots sprout from. If the plant is buried or planted in a way that suffocates the rhizome, it will cause the rhizome to rot and the plant itself to eventually die.

The proper way to plant them is by sticking them into crevices of hardscape, attaching to rocks and wood with string or super glue, leaving them to float at the top of the tank, or using plant weights to weigh them down and prevent floating.

The rhizome is also essential for the propagation. If the rhizome is split in half, then each half would be its own plant that would continue their own respective growths.