Repotting guide

When & how to repot Broad-leaved Anubias (Anubias barteri)

Also called Broad-leaved Anubias, Anubias Barteri.

More about broad-leaved anubias

About Broad-leaved Anubias

Anubias barteri · also called Broad-leaved Anubias, Anubias Barteri · houseplant

Broad-leaved Anubias is a slow-growing West African aquatic or semi-aquatic herb widely used in freshwater aquariums and paludariums. Its thick, dark-green, broadly ovate leaves are extremely hardy and shade-tolerant. Rhizomes must never be buried in substrate — attach to rocks or driftwood for best results.

Mature size: Leaves 10–20 cm long, 6–12 cm wide; overall plant spread 20–40 cm; rhizome extends slowly to 30+ cm over several years

Watch for — Algae on leaves: The slow growth rate makes leaves susceptible to algae colonisation, especially green spot algae. Reduce lighting duration or intensity, introduce algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, nerite snails), and avoid excess nutrients in the water column.

How to tell broad-leaved anubias needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved anubias

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded. Broad-leaved 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. Slow-growing rhizomatous aquatic herb with thick, leathery, broadly ovate to arrow-shaped leaves on rigid petioles. New leaves emerge from the rhizome tip sequentially. Produces a small white spathe and spadix inflorescence, especially in emersed growth..

What size pot to step broad-leaved anubias up to

Go up only one pot size — roughly 2–3 cm (about an inch) wider in diameter, no more. Broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved anubias

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved anubias

Confirm it actually needs it. Slide broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved 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 attach to hardscape; 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 broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved anubias

Broad-leaved Anubias wants attach to hardscape; rhizome must not be buried. Tie or glue rhizome to rocks, driftwood, or bogwood using aquarium-safe thread or gel. If planted in substrate for emersed growth, keep the rhizome above the surface. Fine aquatic sand or gravel is suitable for rooting the fine roots only. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting broad-leaved anubias — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot broad-leaved anubias?

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded for broad-leaved anubias. Only repot broad-leaved 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 attach to hardscape; 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 broad-leaved anubias need?

When is the best time of year to repot broad-leaved anubias?

Does broad-leaved anubias like to be root-bound?

Yes — broad-leaved 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 broad-leaved anubias after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting broad-leaved 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.