An Anubias in a glass jar or vase makes a beautiful, low-maintenance desk or windowsill plant, no aquarium needed. Because Anubias grows slowly and tolerates low light, it is one of the few aquatic plants that can live for a long time in a simple container. Here is how to set one up so it stays healthy.
Quick answer: Yes, Anubias can live in a jar or vase. You can keep it fully underwater in a covered jar, or with its roots in water and leaves above in a humid spot. Keep the rhizome out of any gravel, give bright indirect light (no direct sun), change 25–50% of the water weekly with dechlorinated water, and add a very small dose of liquid fertiliser occasionally.
Two ways to grow Anubias in a jar
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fully submerged | Plant tied to a stone, jar filled with water, lid or cling film to reduce evaporation | Desks, shelves, mini “jarrariums” |
| Roots in water, leaves out | Rhizome at or just above the water line in a vase | Humid bathrooms, kitchens, monsoon months |
How to set up an Anubias jar
- Choose a clear glass jar or vase of at least 1–2 litres; bigger is more stable.
- Tie Anubias Nana or Nana Petite to a small stone or piece of wood.
- Add a thin layer of washed gravel or sand if you like, but keep the rhizome above it.
- Fill with dechlorinated water and place in bright, indirect light.
- Change 25–50% of the water every week; top up evaporation with dechlorinated water.
Care tips
- Light: a bright room or a small LED; direct sun overheats jars and grows algae.
- Temperature: Anubias likes about 22–28 °C; move jars away from hot windows in summer.
- Fertiliser: a tiny dose of liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks keeps leaves green.
- Algae: reduce light and clean the glass during water changes.
- Emersed leaves: leaves above water need high humidity or they brown at the edges. See growing Anubias out of water.
Best plants for jars
Anubias Nana Petite and Anubias Nana suit small jars; Java moss and a small Java fern also work. Avoid fast floaters and stem plants, which outgrow jars quickly.
More tank setup guides:
- Aquarium Volume Calculator
- Best Aquarium Plants for a 3-Feet Tank in India (Plant List + Cost)
- Planted Aquarium Setup Cost in India (2026 Budget Breakdown)
- Best Aquarium Plants for a Bowl or Tank Without a Filter
- Best Aquarium Plants for a 2 Feet Tank in India (With Plant Lists)
- Best Aquarium Plants for Nano Tanks (Under 10 Gallons)
- How to Set Up a Low-Tech Planted Aquarium
Plants in this guide
Price range: ₹ 90 through ₹ 250
Price range: ₹ 90 through ₹ 250
Frequently asked questions
Can Anubias live in a jar without a filter?
Yes, with weekly partial water changes and no fish overload. The plant itself uses very little.
Can I keep a betta with Anubias in a jar?
Small jars are not suitable for bettas. Fish need a proper heated, filtered tank; use the jar for plants only.
