splitting an anubia - Aquarium Advice

flushingfish · 09-11-2007, 10:01 AM

I have 2 anubias that have been in my 20g for about a year now. The rhizomes have grown from about an inch to about 4 inches long. Any advice on how to trim these into smaller specimens for replanting? Someone told me to just take a razor blade to them and divide it into one inch sections. Is it reallt that easy?

majolo · 09-11-2007, 12:53 PM

Yeah, I've done it and it worked fine. I'd just make sure each section has a reasonable number of healthy leaves, like 5 maybe.

**Purrbox** · 09-11-2007, 01:20 PM

The main thing is to ensure that you get a clean cut so that it's easier for the plant to heal. In addition each section should have a nice healthy set of leaves and roots. I prefer to keep each section at least 2" long for Anubias Nana.

flushingfish · 09-13-2007, 01:47 PM

sounds good

thanks

SparKy697 · 09-15-2007, 06:28 PM

I use a razor knive or similar. The rhisome is tougher than you may think.

gheitman · 09-19-2007, 07:27 AM

I thought I would have to use an axe to split my Anubias

Those sure are tough little suckers. I can see why they aren't likely to be damaged by fish trying to eat them.

7Enigma · 09-19-2007, 10:41 AM

I have propagated mine once now and will be doing it again in the near future. I agree with >1" segment with some healthy leaves. Also completely agree with using a NEW razor blade as you want a very clean cut and will likely get a jagged end if using anything other than a new sharp blade. From my understanding the roots they send out are primarily anchor roots and do not play a role in nutrient uptake (I may be wrong however), but if the part of the rhizome has them attached, I definately wouldn't cut them off (but you can shorten them since they can get REALLY long).

I was shocked when I rearranged my tank after a year with the anubias. There were roots 10" long. Tough white tubers with small hair-like roots coming off of them. It really stirred up the tank since the roots pulled up probably a pound of PFS. I had to trim off 3/4 of them just to get the plant back into the substrate!

majolo · 09-19-2007, 02:50 PM

Yeah, I just pulled up an Anubias coffeefolia to mount on a little driftwood, and the roots were twice as big as the plant at least. On the other hand, I have an Anubias afzelli whose roots barely seem to grow at all for some reason.

7Enigma · 09-20-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majolo

Yeah, I just pulled up an Anubias coffeefolia to mount on a little driftwood, and the roots were twice as big as the plant at least. On the other hand, I have an Anubias afzelli whose roots barely seem to grow at all for some reason.

Both in the same tank? I'm sure substrate plays a huge factor in the root development. My tanks are PFS and make it very easy for plants to root with both fine and thick roots, something like coarse gravel or stones would probably make it more difficult for them.

majolo · 09-20-2007, 01:57 PM

Yep, same tank, with just boring gravel in it (which I want to change at some point). I was really surprised by the coffeefolia roots.

09-11-2007, 10:01 AM	#1
flushingfish Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: flushing, ny Posts: 241 Images: 12	splitting an anubia I have 2 anubias that have been in my 20g for about a year now. The rhizomes have grown from about an inch to about 4 inches long. Any advice on how to trim these into smaller specimens for replanting? Someone told me to just take a razor blade to them and divide it into one inch sections. Is it reallt that easy? __________________ It swims therefore it is 20 Gallon planted community 4 neon tetras 3 head and tail light tetras 4 white cloud minnows 2 marble hatchets 4 poleatus cories 1 freshwater flounder 1 japonica shrimp 4 Otos

09-11-2007, 01:20 PM	#3
Purrbox Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Iowa USA Posts: 5,393	The main thing is to ensure that you get a clean cut so that it's easier for the plant to heal. In addition each section should have a nice healthy set of leaves and roots. I prefer to keep each section at least 2" long for Anubias Nana. __________________ ~Joy 10 Gallon Planted Photo Log - 5.5 Gallon Planted Photo Log - 2.5 Gallon Planted Photo Log - Pico Planted Photo Log

09-13-2007, 01:47 PM	#4
flushingfish Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: flushing, ny Posts: 241 Images: 12	sounds good thanks __________________ It swims therefore it is 20 Gallon planted community 4 neon tetras 3 head and tail light tetras 4 white cloud minnows 2 marble hatchets 4 poleatus cories 1 freshwater flounder 1 japonica shrimp 4 Otos

09-15-2007, 06:28 PM	#5
SparKy697 Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 1,216 Images: 3	I use a razor knive or similar. The rhisome is tougher than you may think. __________________ -Joe Click "My Info" for tank information. My 55g Tank Log Read About The Nitrogen Cycle Read About The Fishless Cycle

09-19-2007, 07:27 AM	#6
gheitman Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Champaign, Illinois Posts: 1,199 Images: 4	I thought I would have to use an axe to split my Anubias Those sure are tough little suckers. I can see why they aren't likely to be damaged by fish trying to eat them. __________________ Gene Heitman - 10 tanks, 178 gallons, 20+ species of fish/shrimp/snails, 52+ species of plants ... 8 years ago I just wanted 1 tank with some fish - what was I thinking

09-11-2007, 12:53 PM	#2
majolo Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Central MN Posts: 261 Images: 13	Yeah, I've done it and it worked fine. I'd just make sure each section has a reasonable number of healthy leaves, like 5 maybe.

09-19-2007, 10:41 AM	#7
7Enigma Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Havertown, PA Posts: 2,624 Images: 5	I have propagated mine once now and will be doing it again in the near future. I agree with >1" segment with some healthy leaves. Also completely agree with using a NEW razor blade as you want a very clean cut and will likely get a jagged end if using anything other than a new sharp blade. From my understanding the roots they send out are primarily anchor roots and do not play a role in nutrient uptake (I may be wrong however), but if the part of the rhizome has them attached, I definately wouldn't cut them off (but you can shorten them since they can get REALLY long). I was shocked when I rearranged my tank after a year with the anubias. There were roots 10" long. Tough white tubers with small hair-like roots coming off of them. It really stirred up the tank since the roots pulled up probably a pound of PFS. I had to trim off 3/4 of them just to get the plant back into the substrate! __________________ 20G High -Currently in tank: 1 checkered barb, 1 cory, 1 BN pleco, MTS, variety of platy (fry, juvi, adult), lots of plants. http://www.photolocker.net/images/7Enigma/milfoil2.jpg

09-19-2007, 02:50 PM	#8
majolo Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Central MN Posts: 261 Images: 13	Yeah, I just pulled up an Anubias coffeefolia to mount on a little driftwood, and the roots were twice as big as the plant at least. On the other hand, I have an Anubias afzelli whose roots barely seem to grow at all for some reason.

09-20-2007, 01:57 PM	#10
majolo Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Central MN Posts: 261 Images: 13	Yep, same tank, with just boring gravel in it (which I want to change at some point). I was really surprised by the coffeefolia roots.

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