How to plant Java Ferns on Rocks: Anubias and Java Fern

Anubias or Java Ferns are excellent options for low light tanks. Unlike most freshwater plants, they can go in aquariums that feature African Cichlids or Goldfish. These two species of plant are very easy to maintain and require little effort. You can leave them in the pot, attach them to driftwood, or, like we’re doing here in this week’s blog, plant them on aquarium rocks. They’re the hardiest and easiest to work with.

You can also watch the video below if you prefer video!

Gathering Your Supplies

You’ll need:

Anubias and Java Ferns that are about 3″ to 4 inches tall. They can be potted. – Texas holey rock, or any aquarium rock with structure. Super Glue Gel

It is best to have small plants, about 3″-4″ tall in their black plastic pots. Texas holey rocks measure approximately 5″ to 7″. They’re excellent for Cichlid and Goldfish aquariums because they balance the pH and the hardness. You could also use lava rocks, Okho stone, smooth river rocks, or any other porous-type rock. Besides rocks, plastic castles or stones could be used. It should be weighted so it stays in place.

To attach, you could use thread, fishing line, or a rubber band to tie. These aren’t the best options. It is best to use super glue gel from a hardware shop. It is not super thick. It is best to use the original super glue and not any other type. You need to make sure that it contains cyanoacrylate. This is a liquid acrylic, and the key ingredient. It forms an acrylic bond between rock and plant. Gloves are welcome to keep your hands from sticking together.

Let’s get started.

Step by Step: Gluing the Plants to the Rocks

1. You can open the super glue gel by removing the cap screwed on. 2. Prepare the plant. Take the tag off and gently, but firmly, remove it from the pot. 3. You should remove as much plant rock wool as possible. This is the material that looks like cotton around the roots. Try and get down to the bare roots. You can remove it with very gently running water, too. Clean the roots with your hands. Anubias only have one plant per pot. Java ferns are two or more plants in a pot. 4. Locate the rhizome of the anubias, which is the largest lateral part of the plant between the leaves and the roots. Also, you can see the tiny, bud-like new growth at the one end. The rhizome produces more leaves. This rhizome part supports the plant. The rhizome can be covered if you prefer to plant it in gravel. 5. Find the best part of the rock to place your plant. It is possible to use a natural crevice, or dip. 6. Use a paper towel to dry the plant roots. 7. Spread a thin layer of glue on the rock the length of the rhizome and slightly thick. The super glue gel is great because it stays in place and doesn’t run down the sides of the rocks. 8. Hold the roots and the plant’s rhizome vertically above the rocks for a few seconds. All of these roots eventually will grab onto the rock, and hold the plant. 9. Just find the next rock or plant and repeat the process. These water plants dry quickly, so it is best to complete them within 10-15 minutes. 10. Place them in your tank once they’re dry. They will continue to grow, giving you that jungle look.