Anubias are a type of aquatic plant that originates from tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. These plants are usually found in slow-moving bodies of water, and they provide a wide range of benefits to their aquatic environments. Anubias are popular for aquarists because of their ability to grow in low light conditions and their hardiness. However, when taken out of water, anubias can quickly die or become distressed. This article will explore why anubias die out of water and what can be done to help keep them healthy.
What Is Anubias and Where Does It Come From?
Anubias is a genus of aquatic plants that belong to the Araceae family. These plants are native to freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. Anubias are known for their hardiness and ability to survive in low light conditions. They are often used in aquariums and ponds to provide habitats for fish and other aquatic creatures, as well as aesthetic purposes.
Why Do Anubias Die Out of Water?
Anubias is an aquatic plant, meaning it needs to be submerged in water to survive. Anubias plants breathe through their leaves, and when they are taken out of water, the leaves dry out and the plant quickly dies. Anubias are also sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and other environmental factors, so when they are taken out of water, they can become stressed and die even more quickly.
What Happens to Anubias Out of Water?
When taken out of water, anubias quickly begins to dry out and die. The leaves become brittle and start to turn brown, and the stems become weak and begin to break. The plant will also start to rot and become covered in fungus, bacterial, or algae. As the plant dies, it will release toxins into the air and water, which can be toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures.
How Can You Keep Anubias Healthy Out of Water?
To keep anubias healthy out of water, you must make sure the plants are kept moist. You can do this by misting them with water, covering them in a plastic bag, or placing them in a container of water. It is also important to make sure the plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, pollutants, or other environmental stressors.
Can Anubias Be Re-Submerged After Being Out of Water?
It is possible to re-submerge anubias plants after they have been out of water, but this must be done carefully. The plants should be placed in a container of clean, dechlorinated water, and the water temperature should be slowly brought up to the same temperature as the aquarium. The plants should then be left to acclimate for a few days before they are re-submerged.
How to Prevent Anubias from Drying Out of Water
The best way to prevent anubias from drying out of water is to provide them with a healthy aquatic environment. Make sure the plants have access to clean, dechlorinated water, and provide them with low to medium light and consistent temperatures. You should also avoid over-fertilizing the water, as this can cause the plants to become stressed and die. Finally, it is important to check the plants regularly for signs of disease, pests, or other problems.
Conclusion
Anubias plants can quickly die or become distressed when taken out of water, so it is important to take care when handling them. To keep them healthy, you must make sure the plants are kept moist, provide them with a healthy aquatic environment, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, pollutants, or other environmental stressors. If you follow these steps, you should be able to keep your anubias plants healthy and happy for many years to come.