Attaching Anubias, Bucephalandra and Java fern in a shrimp tank

Position these rhizome plants on wood or rock and leave the creeping rhizome exposed. The rhizome is the firmer stem from which leaves and roots arise; it is different from the fine roots. Tropica warns against burying this part in the named plants.

Compare the selected form

• Anubias barteri var. nana: slow-growing and described by Tropica as suitable for shade. Leave access to inspect leaves and attachment.
• Java fern, Microsorum pteropus: attach to hard material and allow for the mature size of your form.
• Bucephalandra pygmaea “Bukit Kelam”: Tropica describes a slow-growing lower-light plant with an exposed rhizome. That product description cannot guarantee growth for every trade name.

Attach without constricting the rhizome. Use suitable attachment material according to its instructions. A plant does not need active soil to attach to wood or rock. Do not automatically change the shrimp’s water recipe for that purpose.

Maintenance starts with access

Check for shrimp before removal or trimming. Selectively remove damaged, decaying parts and inspect a soft or disintegrating rhizome. Some coating on a slow-growing leaf does not call for disinfecting the entire plant.

A botanical name cannot establish absence of residues on new plants. Follow the origin and introduction check. For continuing leaf loss, use the plant-melt route.

Sources and scope

• Tropica: Anubias barteri var. nana
• Tropica: Microsorum pteropus
• Tropica: Bucephalandra pygmaea 'Bukit Kelam'
• Tropica: plant product types
• Tropica: Trimming aquarium plants

Planting guidance comes from Tropica product information for Anubias nana, Microsorum pteropus and the named Bucephalandra. It is grower advice, not a toxicity experiment or guarantee for plants of unknown treatment history.