What is Anubias?
Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants belonging to the family Araceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Anubias plants are popular aquarium plants because they are hardy and can survive in a wide range of conditions. Anubias species are also known for their attractive foliage, which adds visual interest to an aquarium.
Why Shouldn't You Plant Anubias in Substrate?
Anubias plants should not be planted in substrate, or gravel, because they require different conditions than other aquarium plants. Anubias plants prefer to grow in the water column, rather than in the substrate. Planting Anubias in substrate can cause the plant to become rootbound, which can lead to poor growth and even death.
Substrate Conditions
Substrate is a medium that provides nutrients to aquarium plants. It is usually made up of gravel, sand, or other inert materials. The substrate also provides a medium for beneficial bacteria to grow, which helps to keep the aquarium water clean. However, Anubias plants are not adapted to the conditions created by a substrate.
Root Growth
Anubias plants have a different root system than other aquarium plants. Their roots are designed to grow in the water column, rather than in the substrate. When Anubias plants are planted in substrate, their roots become rootbound and can't grow properly. This can lead to poor growth and even death of the plant.
Water Flow
Anubias plants require strong water flow in order to thrive. The water flow helps to keep the leaves clean and the roots healthy. Substrate can impede water flow and cause stagnant water around the roots of the Anubias plant. This can lead to poor growth and even death of the plant.
Light
Anubias plants require strong lighting in order to thrive. Substrate can impede light penetration, which can cause the Anubias plant to become stressed and not grow properly. Poor lighting can also lead to algae growth, which can further impede the growth of the Anubias plant.
Nutrients
Anubias plants do not require additional nutrients, as they are capable of absorbing all the necessary nutrients from the water column. Substrate can provide additional nutrients to aquarium plants, but these nutrients are not necessary for Anubias plants. In fact, the additional nutrients can cause algae growth, which can further impede the growth of the Anubias plant.
Conclusion
Anubias plants are hardy and can survive in a wide range of conditions, but they should not be planted in substrate. Substrate can impede water flow, light penetration, and provide additional nutrients that are not necessary for Anubias plants. Planting Anubias in substrate can lead to poor growth and even death of the plant.