Anubias on Lava Rock (Small)

Anubias on Lava Rock | Small

Anubias on Lava Rock (Small) is a perfect “place-and-enjoy” plant for aquarists who want an instant natural look with almost no upkeep. Anubias species come from riverbanks and stream systems in Africa, where they naturally grow attached to wood and stone in shallow, moving water. In the aquarium, that translates into a tough, adaptable plant with sturdy, dark green leaves that hold up well—even in tanks with active, boisterous fish.

Anubias on Lava Rock (Small) Overview

Because this Anubias is already attached to lava rock, you get the benefits of an epiphyte setup right away—no tying, gluing, or waiting for roots to grab. Lava rock also looks naturally “riverbed” and provides a textured base that helps the plant stay anchored where you place it, making it a great option for community tanks and aquascapes where you want stable hardscape planting.

Aquarists appreciate Anubias on Lava Rock for:

• True low-maintenance growth: thrives in low light and doesn’t need heavy fertilization
• Fish-resistant durability: thick leaves that are generally ignored by many nibblers
• Instant aquascape structure: a ready-made plant + rock accent you can position in seconds
• Flexible layout use: great as a foreground detail, midground anchor, or rockline accent

For aquascaping, this piece is ideal for tucking into the front edge of a stone ridge or placing at the base of driftwood, so the layout looks established from day one. It pairs beautifully with other lava rocks but ist just as easily be incorporated and paired with bolder rockwork like Seiryu Rock or Japanese Ohko Dragon Rock and looks especially natural when nestled near a darker driftwood accent like Blackwood. If you want to push a true habitat-style vibe, sprinkle a couple of botanicals—like Aquatic Catappa Leaves—around the base so it reads like a real shoreline/riverbed zone rather than a freshly placed decoration.

Caring for Anubias on Lava Rock

Anubias is simple because it’s a rhizome plant. The thick horizontal stem (rhizome) should never be buried in substrate—when it’s covered, it’s more likely to rot. On lava rock, you’re already set up correctly: just place the rock where you want it and let the roots slowly strengthen their hold over time.

Because Anubias grows slowly, it’s best to avoid blasting it with intense light for long periods, since slow-growing leaves can be more prone to collecting algae. A steady, moderate lighting routine and gentle flow usually keep it looking clean—and if you want an extra “insurance policy,” nerite snails are excellent at grazing algae off plant leaves and hardscape, while mystery snails can also help with general cleanup and leftover organics that contribute to algae pressure. Together with consistent maintenance, they’re a simple, natural way to keep Anubias looking display-ready without turning your tank into a constant scrubbing project.

• Light: Low
• Temperature Range: 69–86°F
• Placement: Foreground–Midground
• CO₂: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Slow

Once it’s in the tank, the main “care” is simply good placement and basic cleanliness. Set it where it won’t become buried in mulm, where gentle flow keeps it tidy, and where the lava rock shape complements your hardscape lines. Because it stays compact and grows slowly, Anubias on Lava Rock is ideal for aquarists who want a planted look without a weekly trimming schedule—just remove any older leaves that decline over time and enjoy a stable, durable green accent.

Anubias are also available on driftwood in size small, as bare-root plants, potted, and anubias petite on lava rock.

Note: Each plant/lava rock will have a unique look. The photo provides an idea of what it may look like and is not a representation of the exact item you will receive.

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Anubias on Lava Rock (Small) is one of the simplest ways to add durable, natural greenery to your aquascape—especially in low-tech tanks or setups with active fish. Place it in the foreground or midground, pair it with a few statement rocks or driftwood, and add a light touch of botanicals around the base for a layout that looks established, natural, and easy to maintain long-term.