why are my roots turning black?

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dewey
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:33 pm

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by dewey »

lorixa wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 2:37 am No prob! Let us know how it goes. Also, if you're dosing Flourish, maybe try adding some Iron. Anubias can be picky about trace elements.
Yep, Iron deficiency can cause darkening. Seachem Iron is a good option if you're not already using it.
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waveborn
Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2022 5:35 am

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by waveborn »

Another thing to consider is temperature. Anubias prefer temps between 72-82°F. If your tank's too cold or too hot, it might stress the plant.
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floral
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:03 pm

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by floral »

I've had success with Anubias in lower light tanks. Maybe reduce your photoperiod to 6 hours and see if that helps. Too much light can encourage algae on the roots, which might look black.
gatormax
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:48 pm

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by gatormax »

For real, though, if the roots are mushy, cut 'em off. Ain't no saving that. Healthy roots are firm and white-ish. Don't let the dead stuff mess with the rest of the plant.
Astralix
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:38 pm

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by Astralix »

To add to the substrate discussion, anaerobic bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to roots. If you smell a rotten egg odor when stirring the substrate, that's a clear sign. Increase water flow or reduce substrate depth to mitigate this.
burdley
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:52 pm

Re: why are my roots turning black?

Post by burdley »

It's great to see so many helpful suggestions! Remember, plants can take time to recover, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate changes. Keep us updated on your progress!
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