Repotting guide

When & how to repot Lanceolate Anubias (Anubias lanceolata)

Also called Lance-Leaf Anubias, Lanceolata Anubias.

More about lanceolate anubias

About Lanceolate Anubias

Anubias lanceolata · also called Lance-Leaf Anubias, Lanceolata Anubias · tropical

Anubias lanceolata is a robust, lance-leaved Anubias species producing long, narrow dark-green leaves on a thick rhizome. Slower-growing and shade-tolerant, it is excellent for low-tech aquariums and is virtually indestructible under a wide range of conditions. As an Araceae aroid, it contains calcium oxalates and is classified as toxic to pets.

Mature size: 20–40 cm tall; leaves 10–25 cm long; rhizome spreads slowly over many months

How to tell lanceolate anubias needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For lanceolate anubias, watch for these signs:

Roots spiralling thickly out of the drainage holes or pushing the whole plant up out of the pot.
The pot is so packed that water runs straight through in seconds and barely wets the soil.
It has split a plastic pot, or the rootball is a solid mass with almost no soil left when you slide it out.
Growth and (for lanceolate anubias) flowering have clearly stalled despite good light and feeding — but remember this plant likes being snug, so a little crowding alone is not a reason to repot.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot lanceolate anubias

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded. Lanceolate Anubias is one of the plants that genuinely prefers a snug pot — it grows and flowers better with its roots a little restricted, so resist the urge to repot it on schedule. Rhizomatous, slow-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic evergreen perennial.

What size pot to step lanceolate anubias up to

Go up only one pot size — roughly 2–3 cm (about an inch) wider in diameter, no more. Lanceolate Anubias positively prefers a snug pot: it flowers and grows better when the roots are a little restricted. The single biggest repotting mistake here is over-potting — dropping lanceolate anubias into a pot two or three sizes up. All that surplus soil holds water the small root system cannot use, stays cold and wet, and rots the roots within weeks. When in doubt, choose the smaller pot.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot lanceolate anubias

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for lanceolate anubias. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting lanceolate anubias

Confirm it actually needs it. Slide lanceolate anubias out and check the roots. Only continue if it is genuinely packed — this plant prefers a snug pot, so if there is still soil and room, put it straight back.
Pick a pot only one size up. Choose a pot just 2–3 cm wider with good drainage. Resist anything bigger; over-potting is the main killer here.
Ease it out gently. Water lightly the day before, then tip lanceolate anubias out, supporting the base. Tease the outer roots free only enough to stop them circling.
Repot at the same depth. Add a layer of fresh attached to hardscape — the rhizome must not be buried, set the plant so the soil line sits exactly where it did before, and backfill around the sides, firming lightly.
Settle it in. Water once to settle the soil, then let it sit. Hold off on more water until the top of the soil dries — fresh soil around a small root system stays wet for a while.

Aftercare

Because the new soil holds more water than the old crammed rootball did, ease right back on watering — let the top of the soil dry before you water lanceolate anubias again, or you will rot the roots in the very pot you just moved it to. Keep it out of harsh direct sun for a fortnight. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for lanceolate anubias

Lanceolate Anubias wants attached to hardscape — the rhizome must not be buried. Critical rule: never bury the rhizome in substrate or it will rot. Attach to driftwood or rocks using thread or aquarium-safe super glue. The roots will grip the surface within a few weeks. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting lanceolate anubias — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot lanceolate anubias?

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded for lanceolate anubias. Only repot lanceolate anubias every 2–4 years, and only when it is genuinely root-bound — it flowers and grows best slightly crowded. Step up just one pot size in spring using attached to hardscape — the rhizome must not be buried. The key mistake is over-potting: a too-big pot stays wet and rots the roots.

What size pot does lanceolate anubias need?

When is the best time of year to repot lanceolate anubias?

Does lanceolate anubias like to be root-bound?

Yes — lanceolate anubias genuinely flowers and grows best when slightly pot-bound, so do not rush to repot it. The mistake to avoid is over-potting into a much larger pot: the excess soil stays wet, the roots cannot use it, and the plant rots. Only repot every few years and only one snug size up.

Should you fertilise lanceolate anubias after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting lanceolate anubias. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.