Description

Anubias Barteri var. Nana

The Indestructible Classic Plant for Aquascapers & Beginners

Whether you are designing your very first planted tank or building an intricate hardscape, Anubias Barteri var. Nana is an essential aquatic plant. Native to the slow-moving riverbanks and forest streams of West Africa, this dwarf cultivar is legendary for its resilience, slow steady growth, and ability to thrive in water conditions that would challenge more delicate plant species.

Key Care & Aquascaping Highlights

1. Versatile Epiphytic Hardscape Mounting

Unlike traditional root-feeding stem plants, Anubias nana grows from a thick horizontal stem called a rhizome. It does not require soil or nutrient-dense substrate. Simply anchor the rhizome onto aquarium wood, porous rocks, or ceramic ornaments. Over time, its strong white roots will grip tightly to the hardscape surface, creating a beautiful, mature natural look.

2. Perfect Foreground & Midground Accent

With its tight, compact leaf arrangement and maximum height of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches), Anubias Nana functions exceptionally well as a foreground focal point in large tanks or a midground anchor in nano aquariums. Its deep glossy green leaves provide a striking color contrast against red plants, lighter mosses, and light-colored sands.

3. Cichlid & Herbivore Proof

Finding live plants that survive alongside plant-nibbling fish like African cichlids, goldfish, or silver dollars can be a challenge. Anubias Nana features tough, thick, leathery leaves containing natural compounds that make them unpalatable to most herbivorous fish, allowing you to keep a lush planted environment without your fish eating your aquascape!

4. Ideal Shelter for Fish & Shrimp

The dense, sturdy leaf canopy of Anubias Nana provides vital shaded cover, resting spots, and shelter for timid inhabitants. Dwarf shrimp love grazing on the beneficial biofilm that collects on its wide leaves, while Betta fish frequently use the upper foliage near the surface as cozy resting platforms.

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana

• Plant Type: Epiphytic Rosette / Rhizome Plant

• Average Height: 5 cm – 10 cm (2 in – 4 in)

• Lighting Requirements: Low to Medium

• Water Temperature: 20°C – 28°C (68°F – 82°F)

• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5

• CO2 Requirement: Optional (Accelerates growth, but not required)

• Growth Rate: Slow

Planting & Care Instructions

1. Crucial Rhizome Tip: Do not bury the horizontal rhizome under gravel or substrate. Buried rhizomes will rot, causing the plant to die. Always leave the thick main stem exposed above the substrate.

2. Mounting: Secure the plant to wood or rock using clear fishing line, cotton thread, or a tiny drop of cyanoacrylate-based aquarium gel glue.

3. Lighting Note: Because Anubias is a slow grower, placing it directly under intense, high-powered lighting can encourage green spot algae to form on the leaves. Position it in shaded areas of the tank for the best results.