Maalavya live aquarium aquatic plant ludwigia arcuata dark red aquarium variety is dont require dirt or sand to grow. The plant just need to be attached to a piece of driftwood or a rock with a twist tie, fishing line, or nylon string. Make sure that you break them into pieces about 2.5 inches long. Also when you plant them, make sure that the rhizomes are about an inch apart. That way they will slowly grow together overtime without overtaking each other. The roots systems of these plants are so versatile that they will wrap around and grow into whatever you tie them on to. Once the roots have developed a decent network you can remove the string holding them on they will hold on their own. Another reason that people like anubias is because they are very easy to maintain. They are pretty hardy and can handle varying conditions quite well. It can handle a ph level between 6.5 and 7.5, making it perfect for most aquariums. Also it is pretty good with light, only requiring low to moderate light to thrive. That being said, it can handle higher levels of light as well, thus making it even more versatile. Plus, it only requires small doses of fertilizer every now and then to stay nourished and healthy, not to mention that it doesnt need much co2 either. On a side note, you should trim the leaves every now and then to let new ones grow.