What Is Anubias Rot and How to Prevent It
Anubias is a popular aquarium plant known for its slow growth and vibrant, thick green leaves. However, a persistent issue, rhizome rot, has emerged as a concern for hobbyists. Many aquarists have noticed their Anubias deteriorating shortly after arrival, despite careful handling.
Rhizome rot occurs when the rhizome—the thick horizontal stem from which the roots and leaves sprout—begins to soften and decay. Symptoms include mushy texture, discoloration, and a foul, sour, or sulfur-like odor. Once rot starts, it can spread rapidly and often kills the plant within days. The most reliable early warning sign is the odor. A healthy rhizome should be firm, pale green to light brown, and odorless.
Common Causes of Rhizome Rot
Genetic Weakness
Over time, repeated cloning from the same genetic stock can weaken the plant’s natural defenses. This is especially true for mass-produced varieties like Anubias barteri and Anubias nana.Poor Tool Hygiene
Unsterilized cutting tools can spread bacteria and pathogens from one plant to another.Suboptimal Post-Harvest Conditions
Wet packing and prolonged exposure to warm, humid conditions during shipping can foster bacterial growth, particularly if the plants sustain minor wounds during transit.Shipping Stress
Even carefully packed plants can experience stress due to temperature fluctuations, movement, or pressure during shipping, allowing bacteria to invade.
Blue Zone Aquarium’s Preventative Measures
We take several important steps to ensure the health of our Anubias plants:
Quarantine
Every Anubias plant is quarantined for 7–14 days, in emersed conditions, to detect any delayed-onset rot.Individual Rhizome Inspection
We manually inspect each rhizome for firmness, discoloration, and odors, immediately removing any suspect plants from stock.In-House Propagation
Many of our Anubias varieties are propagated from sterile tissue cultures, ensuring genetic health and disease-free plants from the start.
Protecting Your Anubias at Home
Even with careful inspection, vigilance at home is crucial. Here’s how you can ensure your Anubias stays healthy:
Initial Inspection
Check the rhizome for firmness and any foul odors. A healthy rhizome should be firm, odorless, and light green to light brown.Quarantine Procedures
If you’re uncertain about a plant’s condition, place it in a clean container with a ventilated lid (poke a few small holes). Open the container at least once a day to ensure airflow. Keep any plants showing signs of rot in a separate container, away from healthy plants, as rot can spread quickly in water and infect others.Setting Up the Quarantine Container:
Fill the bottom of the container with about one inch of gravel to help maintain humidity and provide support for the plant.
Add water to the container just below the top of the gravel line. This ensures that the plant isn’t sitting directly in water but still benefits from the humidity.
Place the rhizome on clean rockwool, foam, or a slightly damp paper towel (but avoid soaking it).
Managing Early Rot Signs
For mild cases of rot, cut off as much of the affected tissue as possible until you see no more rot. Let the plant heal in quarantine and keep it under observation until it recovers.Removing Infected Plants
Immediately remove any infected Anubias plants from your aquarium to prevent the spread of rot. One of the first signs of submerged rot is leaf shedding.Advanced Rot
If the rot is widespread or the rhizome is soft and mushy, it’s likely beyond saving. It’s best to discard the plant to prevent further contamination.
We prioritize plant health through strict quarantine and inspection processes.
Additionally, we stand by our Arrive Alive guarantee, providing refunds or replacements for plants delivered in poor condition. If your Anubias arrives with rot despite our best effort, send us a photo within 48 hours of receipt and we will replace it.