Can I grow this plant from seed?
The Anubias plant in my aquarium has flowered several times and I'm wondering if there's a way to grow these plants from seed, and if so, how I should go about it.
SI GRAHAM
JORDAN SAYS: To grow Anubias plants from seeds, it's essential to cultivate them emersed, especially since collecting seeds from submerged specimens isn’t feasible unless the flower protrudes above the water level. Setting up an emersed environment requires a container with moist soil and aeration holes in the lid. High humidity and ample light are crucial for successful growth.
When Anubias flowers appear, they require time to mature, allowing the seeds to develop. The flower comprises two main sections: the spathe and the spadex. The spathe—a modified leaf— encases the male and female sections of the spadex. To propagate Anubias, it's necessary to have multiple flowers, as pollen transfer between them is essential. This is typically accomplished using a small paintbrush to brush pollen from one plant to another. In instances where only one flower is available at a time, pollen from the first flower may need to be stored on clean paper until required.
Collect seeds from mature flowers, placing them on top of fine moist soil. Unlike many typical garden seeds,
Anubias seeds should not be buried. It's crucial to maintain a consistently moist environment for the seeds, avoiding waterlogging at all costs.
Growing Anubias from seeds presents more challenges compared to propagation through rhizome division. Success with this method is therefore quite challenging, requiring careful attention and patience.