Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) Care Guide
Compact rhizome plant from West Africa with thick, leathery leaves. Attaches to wood and stone, tolerates very low light, and is one of the hardiest aquarium plants.
Overview
Anubias barteri var. nana is a compact dwarf variety of Anubias barteri, an aroid native to West Africa. Slow-growing, undemanding and easy to propagate, it tolerates a wide range of conditions and is consistently recommended for beginners and low-tech tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. nana
Habitat
The parent species Anubias barteri occurs in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko, where it grows on rocks and wood in shaded forest streams and on the margins of fast-flowing water. The plant grows both submerged and emersed in nature.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: any (epiphytic; rhizome must stay above substrate)
- Maximum height: about 15 cm
- Growth rate: slow
Placement
Best used as a foreground or low midground accent. The rhizome should be tied or glued to driftwood or rock; if buried under substrate it will rot. Shading by floating plants or taller stems helps prevent algae buildup on the slow-growing leaves.
Propagation
Reproduces vegetatively by rhizome division. A healthy rhizome can be cut with a sharp blade into segments that each carry at least one leaf and a small root cluster; each section will continue to grow on its own attachment point.
Common issues
Anubias rot, in which the rhizome turns soft and black, is usually triggered by burying the rhizome or by poor water quality. Spot algae on older leaves can be controlled by reducing light intensity or removing affected leaves at the base.