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 plant species are easy to care for and not demanding at all. 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 are the hardest and easiest to use.

This tutorial is also available in video format. Please see the video at bottom.

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

You want to plant small plants about 3″ to 4 inches high in small 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. Other porous rocks include Okho stone, smooth rivers rocks, lava rocks and Okho stones. Plastic castles and stones can also be used. Make sure the weight is sufficient to hold it in place.

To attach, you could use thread, fishing line, or a rubber band to tie. These aren’t ideal. It is best to use super glue gel from a hardware shop. It is not super thick. You want to use original super glue, not another type of glue. Make sure it has cyanoacrylate, which is a liquid acrylic and the key ingredient. It bonds the rock to the plant by creating an acrylic bond. Gloves are welcome to keep your hands from sticking together.

Let’s get started.

Step by Step: Gluing Plants to Rocks

1. The top of the super glue gel can be opened by prying off the cap with the screw-on screwdriver. 2. Prepare the plant. Take the tag off and gently, but firmly, remove it from the pot. 3. Remove as much of the plant rock wool, which is the cotton-like material surrounding 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 can only be one plant in a container. But with Java ferns, you might find two or three separate plants in one pot. 4. Locate the rhizome of the anubias, which is the largest lateral part of the plant between the leaves and the roots. The new growth of tiny, bud-like leaves can be found at one end of your plant. The rhizome produces more leaves. This is the part of the rhizome that supports the plant. You can plant it in gravel, but don’t cover its rhizome. 5. Locate the best place to plant your plant. Natural crevices or dips work well. 6. Dry the plant roots by dabbing them on a paper towel or hand towel. 7. Place a thin layer on the rock that is about twice the length of its rhizome. 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. Eventually, all these roots are going to 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.