Anubias nana is a beautiful, low-maintenance aquatic plant that can make an interesting addition to your aquarium. It's a great choice for aquascaping because of its low growth habit and small, delicate leaves. But can it grow in gravel? The answer is yes! Anubias nana can thrive in both gravel and sand as long as the conditions are right. Read on to learn more about how to successfully grow Anubias nana in gravel.
What is Anubias Nana?
Anubias nana (also known as Anubias barteri var. nana) is a species of aquatic plant native to Africa. It grows in slow-moving rivers and streams, where it is most commonly found growing on rocks and rocky surfaces. Anubias nana has a low-growing habit and small, oval-shaped leaves that are usually dark green in color. It is a popular choice for aquascaping because of its hardiness and slow-growth habit.
How to Grow Anubias Nana in Gravel
Growing Anubias nana in gravel is relatively easy, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. The most important factor is the substrate—you'll need to use either a coarse-grained gravel or a sand. Coarse gravel is the best choice for Anubias nana, as it provides the best drainage and aeration. Avoid using a fine-grained gravel, as it can prevent the roots from getting enough oxygen.
When choosing a substrate, you'll also need to consider the pH and hardness of the water. Anubias nana prefers a neutral pH of around 7.0 and a water hardness of 10-20 dGH. If the substrate is too soft, the plant may not be able to absorb enough nutrients. If it's too hard, the roots may not be able to spread properly.
You'll also need to provide Anubias nana with adequate lighting. Most Anubias plants prefer low to moderate lighting, so if you're using a gravel substrate, you'll need to ensure that the gravel is not blocking the light. Anubias nana also requires regular fertilization and frequent water changes to keep it healthy and growing.
Caring for Anubias Nana in Gravel
Once you've got your Anubias nana planted in gravel, there are a few things you'll need to do to keep it healthy. The most important thing is to keep the substrate clean. Anubias nana is sensitive to excess nutrients, so you'll need to make sure you regularly vacuum the gravel to remove uneaten food and debris. You'll also need to regularly check the pH and hardness of the water to make sure it is at the correct levels.
You'll also need to fertilize your Anubias nana regularly. Anubias plants require a good supply of micronutrients to grow, so you'll need to make sure you are providing them with the nutrients they need. You can use liquid fertilizers or slow-release tablets, which are available at most aquarium stores.
Finally, you'll need to prune your Anubias nana regularly. Anubias plants tend to spread out and quickly take over the aquarium, so you'll need to remove any excess growth. You can gently remove the leaves with your fingers or use a pair of scissors to make sure the plant stays in its intended shape.
Conclusion
Anubias nana is a beautiful and hardy aquatic plant that can easily be grown in gravel. All you need to do is make sure the substrate is the right type and size, the pH and hardness are at the correct levels, and there is adequate lighting and fertilization. With the right care, Anubias nana can make an interesting addition to your aquarium and thrive for many years.