Anubias

Lighting and CO2:

Extremely undemanding. Thrives in low-light conditions and requires no CO2 injection. If placed directly under high-intensity light, its incredibly slow-growing leaves will inevitably become heavily infested with Black Beard Algae (BBA) or Green Spot Algae (GSA).

Nutrition and Substrate:

It is an epiphyte. It feeds exclusively from the water column via liquid fertilization. THE DEADLY MISTAKE: The thick, horizontal main stem (Rhizome) MUST NEVER be buried under gravel, sand, or soil. If buried, the rhizome will turn into mush and the plant will rot. It must be tied with fishing line or superglued to driftwood or rocks.

Water Chemistry:

Bulletproof. It tolerates massive swings in parameters. Suitable for soft blackwater up to liquid-rock African Cichlid setups. pH 6.0 to 8.0, temps 22-28°C.

Space Management and Placement:

Excellent mid-ground or foreground feature plant. Attach it to hardscape to create focal points.

Trimming:

Growth is agonizingly slow (about one leaf per month). Trim off any dying or heavily algae-infested leaves by cutting the stem cleanly at the base near the rhizome.

Risks and Diseases:

1. RHIZOME ROT: 100% caused by burying the plant in the substrate.

2. ALGAE MAGNET: Because leaves remain on the plant for years, they gather algae. Shade it under taller plants to prevent algae.