Anubias and Java Fern are both great beginner aquarium plants. They can grow in low light, do not need CO2, and can be attached to rocks or driftwood instead of being planted deep in the substrate.
But they are not exactly the same.
If you want the easiest plant with thick leaves and almost no trimming, choose Anubias. If you want a plant that grows taller and fills the tank faster, choose Java Fern.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Anubias | Java Fern |
| Care Level | Very easy | Very easy |
| Growth Speed | Slow | Slow to moderate |
| Light Need | Low to medium | Low to medium |
| CO2 Needed | No | No |
| Best Placement | Foreground to midground | Midground to background |
| Best Look | Thick broad leaves | Long flowing leaves |
| Main Problem | Algae on leaves | Black spots or damaged leaves |
| Best For | Betta tanks, shrimp tanks, nano tanks | Community tanks, natural planted tanks |
What Is Anubias?
Anubias is a slow-growing aquarium plant with thick, dark green leaves. It grows from a thick stem called a rhizome.
The rhizome should never be buried under sand or gravel. If it is buried, the plant can rot.
Anubias is best attached to:
- Driftwood
- Rocks
- Lava stone
- Aquarium decorations
It is one of the best choices for beginners because it stays neat and does not need much trimming.
How to Take Care of Anubias Plants
What Is Java Fern?
Java Fern is another hardy aquarium plant that grows from a rhizome. It has long green leaves and gives the tank a more natural, forest-like look.
Like Anubias, Java Fern should not have its rhizome buried.
It grows well attached to:
- Driftwood
- Rocks
- Background hardscape
- Aquarium decorations
Java Fern usually looks better in the midground or background because its leaves grow taller than most Anubias types.
More easy plants How to Take Care Java Moss
Which Plant Is Easier?
Both are easy, but Anubias is slightly easier for most beginners.
The reason is simple: Anubias grows slowly and stays compact. It does not spread everywhere, and it rarely needs trimming.
Java Fern is also easy, but older leaves can sometimes develop black spots or baby plantlets. Beginners may think the plant is dying when it is actually reproducing.
Winner: Anubias
Which Plant Grows Faster?
Java Fern usually grows faster than Anubias.
Anubias is very slow. Sometimes you may only see a few new leaves after several weeks.
Java Fern is still not a fast plant, but it usually fills space faster because the leaves grow taller and wider.
Winner: Java Fern
Which Is Better for Low Light?
Both plants do well in low light.
Anubias may handle shaded areas slightly better, especially when attached under driftwood or near taller plants.
Java Fern also handles low light, but it may grow slower and look thinner if the tank is too dim.
Winner: Tie
Which Plant Needs Less Maintenance?
Anubias needs less trimming because it stays compact.
Java Fern may need occasional old leaf removal, especially when damaged leaves or baby plantlets appear.
If you want the lowest-maintenance plant possible, Anubias is the better choice.
Winner: Anubias
Which Is Better for Aquascaping?
It depends on the layout.
Anubias works better for:
- Foreground details
- Driftwood bases
- Rock cracks
- Nano aquascapes
- Betta tanks
Java Fern works better for:
- Midground planting
- Background areas
- Tall wood layouts
- Natural jungle tanks
- Filling empty space
For the best aquascape, use both together. Anubias can sit low around rocks, while Java Fern fills the taller areas behind it.
If you want go much more decorate learn this : Aquascaping for Beginners
Which Is Better for Betta Tanks?
Anubias is usually better for betta tanks.
Bettas often rest on broad Anubias leaves. The plant also stays compact, so it does not crowd small tanks.
Java Fern can also work in betta tanks, especially larger ones, but it may become too tall in small tanks.
Winner: Anubias
Read this : Best Plants for Betta Fish
Which Is Better for Shrimp Tanks?
Both plants are good for shrimp tanks.
Shrimp enjoy grazing on biofilm from Anubias leaves and Java Fern leaves. Both plants also give baby shrimp safe hiding spots.
Anubias Nana Petite is especially good for small shrimp tanks.
Winner: Tie
Internal link: Cherry Shrimp Care Guide
Which Plant Has More Algae Problems?
Anubias usually gets algae more easily because its leaves grow very slowly.
If your light is too strong or left on too long, algae can settle on the leaves.
Java Fern can also get algae, but its taller leaves and moderate growth often handle it slightly better.
Winner: Java Fern
Which Plant Is Better for Beginners?
For most beginners, Anubias is the better first plant.
It is compact, hardy, low-maintenance, and works in almost any aquarium.
But Java Fern is also a great beginner plant if you want something taller that fills more space.
Best Choice Based on Your Tank
| Tank Type | Better Choice |
| Betta tank | Anubias |
| Shrimp tank | Both |
| Nano tank | Anubias |
| Community tank | Java Fern or both |
| Low-light tank | Both |
| Aquascape tank | Both |
| Large tank | Java Fern |
| Beginner first plant | Anubias |
Can You Keep Anubias and Java Fern Together?
Yes, and this is actually one of the best combinations for beginner planted tanks.
Use Java Fern in the back or middle of the tank, then place Anubias around rocks, driftwood bases, or open foreground areas.
Both plants enjoy similar conditions:
- Low to medium light
- No CO2 needed
- Attached to hardscape
- Stable freshwater conditions
This makes them very easy to combine.
Common Mistakes With Both Plants
The biggest mistake is burying the rhizome.
Both Anubias and Java Fern grow from rhizomes. If the rhizome is buried under substrate, the plant may rot.
Other common mistakes include:
- Using too much light
- Expecting fast growth
- Ignoring algae on slow leaves
- Moving the plant too often
- Using damaged plants from poor-quality stores
FAQs
Is Anubias easier than Java Fern?
Yes, Anubias is slightly easier because it grows slowly and needs less trimming.
Can Java Fern and Anubias grow without CO2?
Yes. Both grow well without CO2 injection.
Can I plant Anubias and Java Fern in gravel?
You can place the roots near gravel, but do not bury the rhizome.
Which is better for a betta tank?
Anubias is usually better because bettas like resting on the broad leaves.
Which plant grows faster?
Java Fern usually grows faster than Anubias.
