Anubias isn’t planted in substrate like most aquarium plants — it’s an epiphyte, meaning it grows attached to surfaces. Bury its rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) and it rots; attach it to wood or rock instead and it thrives for years. Here are the three easiest ways to attach Anubias, plus what to do afterward.
First: find the rhizome
The rhizome is the firm, horizontal stem that the leaves and roots grow from. Your one rule: the rhizome must always stay above the substrate, exposed to the water. Only the roots may touch or enter the substrate.
Method 1 — Cotton thread (best for beginners)
- Hold the rhizome against your driftwood or rock.
- Wrap cotton thread loosely around the rhizome and the surface, criss-crossing to hold it snug (not tight enough to cut in).
- Tie it off.
Within a few weeks the roots grip the surface on their own, and the cotton thread harmlessly breaks down. Fishing line or plant-safe twist ties work too — just remove them once the plant has anchored.
Method 2 — Super glue gel (fastest)
- Make sure the spot on the wood or rock is dry.
- Dab a small amount of cyanoacrylate super glue gel on the underside of the rhizome (avoid the roots and leaves).
- Press it onto the surface and hold for about 20–30 seconds.
Cyanoacrylate is aquarium-safe once cured and bonds instantly, so you can place the plant back in the tank right away. This is the go-to method for precise aquascaping.
Method 3 — Wedging (no tools)
For rockwork with cracks and crevices, simply tuck the rhizome firmly into a gap so it stays put. The roots will grow out and lock it in place over time. Quick, reversible, and great for nano tanks.
After you attach it
- Placement: keep Anubias in low-to-moderate light — strong light invites algae on its slow-growing leaves.
- Patience: new roots and leaves take a few weeks. Don’t be alarmed by slow growth; that’s normal for Anubias.
- Don’t bury it later: when you rescape, keep that rhizome above the substrate.
Bonus: free plants
Once your Anubias grows, cut a rhizome section with 3–4 leaves and some roots, attach it to a new piece of hardscape, and you’ve propagated a whole new plant.
Want a healthy plant to attach? Browse our hand-picked Anubias collection and Bucephalandra (which attaches exactly the same way) — shipped across India with a live-arrival guarantee.