How to Plant Anubias on Driftwood & Rock (India Guide)

Anubias should never be planted in substrate; instead, attach its rhizome to driftwood or rock using cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe super glue. The rhizome must stay above the substrate, and the plant grows anchor roots into the hardscape over 4–8 weeks. This complete India guide covers all three attachment methods step by step, plus how to plant Anubias Nana, Barteri, and every variety correctly.

Fish Bazaar note: at the time of writing we do not list live Anubias plants on the store. We stock the planted-tank supplies shown near the end of this guide, and you can message us on WhatsApp if you want help planning your tank.

The golden rule: never bury the rhizome

The rhizome is the horizontal fleshy stem that leaves grow from. On Anubias it looks like a thick green-brown root running sideways. If you bury it in substrate, it rots and the plant dies within weeks. Every method below keeps the rhizome above the substrate. This single rule solves 90% of Anubias failures.

On this page

• Method 1: super glue (fastest)
• Method 2: cotton thread / fishing line
• Method 3: wedge into hardscape
• Can you plant Anubias in substrate?
• Planting by variety
• Frequently asked questions

Method 1: Super glue (fastest, most secure)

Aquarium-safe super glue gel (cyanoacrylate) is the aquascaper's standard. It's reef-safe and fish-safe once cured.

1. Take the Anubias out of water and pat the rhizome dry with tissue (glue won't bond underwater).
2. Apply a small dot of super glue gel to the underside of the rhizome; not the roots, not the leaves.
3. Press the rhizome firmly onto the driftwood or rock for 20–30 seconds.
4. The glue cures on contact with moisture, turning white. That white residue is harmless and fades from view as the plant grows.
5. Return to the tank immediately.

Best for: quick aquascaping, precise placement, all Anubias varieties including Nana and Nana Petite.

Method 2: Cotton thread or fishing line (gentlest)

The traditional method, no chemicals, works underwater, and the plant is never stressed by removal from water.

1. Hold the Anubias rhizome against the driftwood or rock where you want it.
2. Wrap cotton thread or fishing line around both the rhizome and the hardscape, criss-crossing to hold it snug.
3. Tie off. Don't crush the rhizome, just hold it in contact with the surface.
4. Over 4–8 weeks, anchor roots grow into the wood/rock.
5. Cotton thread rots away naturally once the plant is anchored. Fishing line stays; trim it off after 8 weeks.

Best for: larger varieties like Barteri Coin Leaf, Congensis, and delicate variegated plants where you don't want glue near the tissue.

Method 3: Wedge into hardscape (no tools)

The simplest method; no glue, no thread.

1. Find a crevice between rocks or a fork in driftwood.
2. Tuck the Anubias rhizome firmly into the gap.
3. Weight it lightly with a pebble if needed until roots grip.
4. Roots anchor over 4–8 weeks and hold the plant permanently.

Best for: tanks with lots of rockwork, quick temporary placement, testing positions before committing.

Can you plant Anubias in substrate?

Only if you keep the rhizome above the substrate line. Bury only the roots, leaving the rhizome clearly exposed above the gravel or soil. This works for large hardy varieties (Congensis, Barteri Glabra) but isn't preferred; roots can rot at the substrate boundary, and the plant is less secure than when attached to hardscape. Attaching to driftwood or rock is always the better option.

Planting Anubias by variety

• Nano varieties (Nana Petite, Nana Jade) - super glue or fine cotton thread to small hardscape. Fishing line is often too coarse for their small rhizomes.
• Standard varieties (Nana, Butterfly, Dragon Claw) - any of the three methods work.
• Large varieties (Congensis, Barteri Glabra) - cotton thread or fishing line to substantial driftwood; their weight needs a solid mount.
• Variegated collectors (Nana Pinto, Stardust) - cotton thread preferred; avoid glue near the delicate variegated tissue.

Frequently asked questions

How to plant Anubias in aquarium?

Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rock with super glue, cotton thread, or by wedging into hardscape. Never bury the rhizome; keep it above the substrate. Anchor roots grow into the hardscape over 4–8 weeks.

How to plant Anubias Nana?

Same as all Anubias, attach the rhizome to hardscape with super glue or cotton thread. Nana's compact size suits small driftwood pieces and rock crevices.

How to plant Anubias on driftwood?

Dry the rhizome, apply a dot of aquarium-safe super glue gel to its underside, press onto the driftwood for 20–30 seconds, return to tank. Or tie with cotton thread if you prefer not to remove the plant from water.

Can you plant Anubias in substrate?

Only if the rhizome stays above the substrate; bury only the roots. Attaching to hardscape is always better; buried rhizomes rot.

Can Anubias grow on rock?

Yes, Anubias grows on rock, driftwood, cork bark, or any hardscape. Attach with glue or thread; roots grip the surface over 4–8 weeks.

Do I need to glue Anubias?

No, glue is one option. Cotton thread and wedging into crevices both work. Glue is fastest and most secure; thread is gentlest.

Planted-tank supplies we stock

Once your Anubias is attached, it needs gentle light and clean water. These are the planted-tank essentials we stock; browse the full Planted Tank Setup collection.

Sobo AL-380 (15.5W)Planted tanks, 1-2 ft Neo Helios Nano S3 Pro+13W, 10000K Sunken Garden Root TabsRoot fertilizer, 6+1 pack Sunken Garden CO2 BoostLiquid carbon, 100 ml Sunken Garden Anti ChlorineWater conditioner

Shop & read more

• Pillar: Anubias plant: complete guide
• How to start aquascaping in India
• Shop: Planted Tank Setup