The Anubias barteri in my 55g is taking over the tank. I would like to propogate and thin it out some. How do I do this safely without harming the plant?
Scott
Scott
Propogating Anubias barteri
- Thread starter scottracy
- Start date
Use a razor blade to cut through the rhizome in a spot where there are no shoots coming out. Leave enough leaves and roots per section to sustain it (ie, don't cut them into single-leaf specimens).
Do you think as long as it has a 'few' leafs and some roots you can cut that section out? My Anubias (dont know what type - was marked 'misc.') is about 5"-6" (the roots - rhizome is it called?) and the plant probably has around a dozen leafs. So would it be safe to cut it in two?
As long as were on the topic, I usually see these plants tied to driftwood. I really cant do that in my tank. I have tried to plant it in the gravel but it never stay, the larger fish I have swimming around the bottom always push it over. I currently have it laying on the bottom under the edge of my driftwood to hold it down. Any other secrets to planting these?
As long as were on the topic, I usually see these plants tied to driftwood. I really cant do that in my tank. I have tried to plant it in the gravel but it never stay, the larger fish I have swimming around the bottom always push it over. I currently have it laying on the bottom under the edge of my driftwood to hold it down. Any other secrets to planting these?
Yes, you could cut it in half. You could probably do thirds or quarters.
They grow just fine if placed on the substrate, in fact, they will throw their roots down into the soil and anchor. You must simply be careful to avoid burying the rhizome. This is the thick, horizontal part of the plant from which the roots and leaves grow. If that part becomes buried, it will usually rot and die, and kill the whole plant.
I'll attach a horrible Paint rendition of an anubias species. The black lines indicate an example of where I would cut if I had this plant.
They can also be attached to rocks. For holding them down to the substrate, you can use plant weights, stick small rocks on their roots until they anchor, or I've heard some people even use bent paperclips to "pin" them into the ground.
EDIT: Just realized you said the anubias was only 5-6". I only read the 12 leaves bit. So with a piece that size, I'd cut it in half, three at most.
They grow just fine if placed on the substrate, in fact, they will throw their roots down into the soil and anchor. You must simply be careful to avoid burying the rhizome. This is the thick, horizontal part of the plant from which the roots and leaves grow. If that part becomes buried, it will usually rot and die, and kill the whole plant.
I'll attach a horrible Paint rendition of an anubias species. The black lines indicate an example of where I would cut if I had this plant.
They can also be attached to rocks. For holding them down to the substrate, you can use plant weights, stick small rocks on their roots until they anchor, or I've heard some people even use bent paperclips to "pin" them into the ground.
EDIT: Just realized you said the anubias was only 5-6". I only read the 12 leaves bit. So with a piece that size, I'd cut it in half, three at most.