How to Plant Anubias or Java Fern on Rocks
Anubias and Java Fern are two excellent freshwater plant options for low light tanks. Unlike most freshwater plants, they can go in aquariums that feature African Cichlids or Goldfish. These two species of plant are very easy to maintain and require little effort. You can leave them in the pot, attach them to driftwood, or, like we’re doing here in this week’s blog, plant them on aquarium rocks. They are the hardest and easiest to use.
You can also watch the video below if you prefer video!
Gathering Your Supplies
You’ll need:
Anubias, or Java Ferns, that are approximately 3″ – 4” tall and potted. – Texas holey rock, or any aquarium rock with structure. Super Glue Gel
You want to plant small plants about 3″ to 4 inches high in small plastic pots. Texas holey rocks measure approximately 5″ to 7″. They’re excellent for Cichlid and Goldfish aquariums because they balance the pH and the hardness. Other porous rocks include Okho stone, smooth rivers rocks, lava rocks and Okho stones. Plastic castles and stones can also be used. It should be weighted so it stays in place.
To attach, you could use thread, fishing line, or a rubber band to tie. These aren’t the best options. It is best to use super glue gel from a hardware shop. The gel is not very runny. It is best to use the original super glue and not any other type. Cyanoacrylate is the key ingredient. It’s a liquid acrylic. It forms an acrylic bond between rock and plant. Gloves are welcome to keep your hands from sticking together.
Let’s get started.
Step by Step: Gluing the Plants to the Rocks
1. Open the super glue gel by puncturing the top with the screw-on cap. 2. Prepare the plant. The tag should be removed and the plant taken out. 3. Remove as much of the plant rock wool, which is the cotton-like material surrounding the roots. Try and get down to the bare roots. It can also be removed with running water. You can clean the roots by using your hands. Anubias can only be one plant in a container. Java ferns can house two to three plants in one pot. 4. The rhizome is the longest lateral portion of anubias between the roots and the leaves. The new growth of tiny, bud-like leaves can be found at one end of your plant. More leaves grow out of the rhizome. This is the part of the rhizome that supports the plant. You can plant it in gravel, but don’t cover its rhizome. 5. Place your plant in the most suitable part of the rock. It is possible to use a natural crevice, or dip. 6. You can dry the roots of the plant by rubbing them with a paper towel or a hand towel. 7. Spread a thin layer of glue on the rock the length of the rhizome and slightly thick. The super glue gel works well because it doesn’t move down the sides or stays put. 8. For about a minute, press the roots and plant rhizome vertically up against the rock. Eventually, all these roots are going to grab onto the rock and hold the plant. 9. Find the next rock and the next plant to do this with, and just repeat. These water plants dry quickly, so it is best to complete them within 10-15 minutes. 10. Once they are dry, you can place them in the tank. They will continue growing and give you that jungle look.
