Troubleshooting
Anubias gigantea problems — and how to fix them
Anubias gigantea (Anubias gigantea) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rhizome rot
Substrate burial smothers the rhizome and causes rot. Keep it exposed and remove any soft, discoloured tissue.
Outgrowing the setup
Its giant size overwhelms standard tanks. Reserve it for large aquariums or paludariums and divide to manage size.
Algae on broad leaves
The big, long-lived leaves collect green-spot and beard algae under strong light. Use moderate light and good flow.
Slow establishment
Large rhizomes are slow to settle, particularly when shifting between emersed and submerged growth. Keep conditions stable and be patient.
Prevent anubias gigantea problems before they start
Most anubias gigantea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for anubias gigantea in general rather than its problems? Read the full anubias gigantea care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Anubias gigantea problems — FAQ
Why is my anubias gigantea rhizome rot?
Substrate burial smothers the rhizome and causes rot. Keep it exposed and remove any soft, discoloured tissue.
Why is my anubias gigantea outgrowing the setup?
Its giant size overwhelms standard tanks. Reserve it for large aquariums or paludariums and divide to manage size.
Why is my anubias gigantea algae on broad leaves?
The big, long-lived leaves collect green-spot and beard algae under strong light. Use moderate light and good flow.
Why is my anubias gigantea slow establishment?
Large rhizomes are slow to settle, particularly when shifting between emersed and submerged growth. Keep conditions stable and be patient.