Anubias 'Frazeri' Propagation: Rhizome Division and Mounting

How to propagate the hybrid Anubias 'Frazeri' by rhizome division and mount it on wood or rock — a slow, hardy, low-light epiphyte whose rhizome must never be buried.

Overview

Anubias 'Frazeri' is a hybrid Anubias with elongated, slightly pointed lance-shaped leaves that add vertical structure to driftwood layouts. Like all members of the genus Anubias (family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa), it grows from a thick horizontal rhizome, behaves as an epiphyte attaching to wood or rock, and is very tolerant and undemanding.

It is a true beginner plant: slow-growing, shade-tolerant and forgiving of a wide range of conditions, which makes its propagation straightforward and low-risk.

Propagation Method

Anubias is propagated by rhizome (stolon) division or from side shoots. The rhizome is the thick horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots grow; dividing it into sections, each carrying several leaves and roots, yields independent new plants. Because growth is slow, expect new pieces to take weeks to settle in.

Step-by-Step

Lift the plant and locate the thick horizontal rhizome between the leaves and the roots.
Cut the rhizome into sections, leaving at least three to four leaves and a set of roots on each piece.
Mount each section on driftwood or rock — wedge it into a crack, tie it with sewing thread, or use super glue gel on the roots, pressing firmly for about 30 seconds until set.
Avoid tying so tightly that the rhizome is crushed, and keep the rhizome itself exposed above the substrate.

Conditions

Anubias prefers subdued lighting and thrives where many plants struggle, so low light suits it well. It needs no added CO2, accepts a broad pH and hardness range, and can be grown either submersed or emersed — handy for paludariums. The reference record lists about 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.8 and low light.

Maintenance

Because it produces a leaf only every few weeks or slower, maintenance is minimal: remove old or damaged leaves, and check that the rhizome stays firm and green. Some leaf loss after a move is normal melt, expected from such a slow grower as it adjusts to a new environment.

Common Challenges

Burying the rhizome causes rot — a soft, mushy, discoloured rhizome signals trouble.
Slow leaves can accumulate algae, especially under strong light, so keep lighting modest.
Tying or gluing too aggressively can damage the rhizome.
A healthy rhizome should feel very firm and look green; mushy texture means rot.