How to Plant Anubias & Bucephalandra

Planting Anubias and Bucephalandra in an aquarium is a bit different from planting traditional stem or moss plants. Both Anubias and Bucephalandra are rhizomatous plants, meaning they have horizontal stems (rhizomes) from which roots and leaves grow. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant Anubias and Bucephalandra in your aquarium:

Planting Anubias:

1. Choose the Anubias:
    • There are different varieties of Anubias available, such as Anubias barteri, Anubias nana, Anubias coffeefolia, etc. Select the type that fits your aquascape design and tank conditions.
2. Prepare the Plant:
    • Take the Anubias plant out of its pot and gently remove any rockwool or cotton surrounding the roots. Be careful not to damage the rhizome or roots.
3. Positioning:
    • Anubias should not be planted in the substrate like traditional plants. Instead, they are epiphytes, which means they should be attached to hardscape materials such as driftwood or rocks.
    • Position the rhizome of the Anubias onto the surface of the chosen driftwood or rock, ensuring that the roots are in contact with the hardscape.
4. Attachment (Optional):
    • If the rhizome of the Anubias is relatively flat and in good contact with the hardscape, it may attach itself naturally over time. However, if you want to secure it further, you can use fishing line or cotton thread to tie the rhizome to the hardscape until it attaches on its own.
5. Planting Depth:
    • Ensure that the rhizome is not buried in the substrate, as this can lead to rotting. It should be exposed and above the substrate level.
6. Lighting and Water Parameters:
    • Anubias is adaptable to a wide range of lighting conditions, but it generally prefers moderate to low lighting. Avoid high-intensity lighting to prevent algae growth on the leaves.
    • Maintain stable water parameters, including temperature, pH, and water hardness, suitable for your aquarium's inhabitants.

 

Planting Bucephalandra:

1. Choose the Bucephalandra:
    • Similar to Anubias, Bucephalandra comes in various species and forms. Select the one that complements your aquascape design and tank conditions.
2. Prepare the Plant:
    • Remove the Bucephalandra from its pot and gently untangle any moss, rockwool, or cotton from the roots and rhizome. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant.
3. Positioning:
    • Bucephalandra, like Anubias, is an epiphyte and should be attached to driftwood or rocks. Place the rhizome on the chosen hardscape, ensuring good contact between the roots and the surface.
4. Attachment (Optional):
    • If the rhizome is not securing itself well to the hardscape, you can use fishing line or cotton thread to tie it in place until it attaches on its own.
5. Planting Depth:
    • As with Anubias, avoid burying the rhizome in the substrate. It should be above the substrate level to prevent rotting.
6. Lighting and Water Parameters:
    • Bucephalandra prefers moderate to low lighting conditions, and it can tolerate slightly higher light levels than Anubias.
    • Maintain stable water parameters suitable for your aquarium's inhabitants.

 

Both Anubias and Bucephalandra are slow-growing plants, and they require minimal maintenance. They can add beauty and character to your aquascape while providing shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures. Regularly trim any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's health and appearance.