Tropica Anubias barteri var. nana

Description

Tropica Anubias barteri var. nana – The Classic, Hardy Gem of Every Aquascape 🌿

Few aquarium plants are as iconic and reliable as Tropica Anubias barteri var. nana. This timeless species, native to the shaded rivers and streams of West Africa, is a true cornerstone of aquascaping — beloved for its durability, versatility, and deep green, glossy leaves. Compact in size and easy to maintain, it brings effortless beauty and structure to aquariums of all sizes, from small nano tanks to large showpiece layouts.

Tropica Anubias barteri var. nana is carefully cultivated to ensure lush, healthy growth and vibrant coloration. Its thick, leathery leaves are resistant to damage, making it a fantastic choice for tanks with grazing fish or active shrimp. Whether attached to driftwood, rock, or roots, this slow-growing rhizome plant adds a sense of permanence and natural harmony to any aquascape design.

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🌱 Why You’ll Love It

• 💚 Extremely Hardy: Thrives in a wide range of conditions — perfect for beginners and experts alike.

• 🌤️ Low-Light Champion: Grows beautifully even in shaded or low-tech setups.

• 🪨 Easy to Place: Attaches to rocks, driftwood, or decor — no substrate needed.

• 🐠 Fish-Proof: Thick leaves withstand grazing and are ideal for community tanks.

• 🌿 Compact Beauty: Stays neat and manageable; perfect for nano and mid-sized aquariums.

• 🧘 Low Maintenance: Slow-growing and nearly indestructible, ideal for low-effort aquascapes.

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🌤️ Care & Placement

• Light Requirements: Low to medium. High light is not necessary and may cause algae on leaves, so a shaded or indirect-light position is ideal.

• CO₂ Supplementation: Optional. CO₂ injection promotes faster, denser growth but is not required for success.

• Substrate: Not required. Anubias attaches via its rhizome and roots to hardscape. Do not bury the rhizome — it will rot if submerged in soil or gravel.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 20–28 °C

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, depending on light and nutrients.

• Propagation: Divide the rhizome when mature. Each section with a few leaves and roots can be reattached elsewhere.

• Placement: Excellent for foreground and midground, or as accent greenery on hardscape in all aquarium sizes.

💡 Pro Tip: Position Anubias under driftwood or overhangs to reduce direct light exposure. Occasional gentle cleaning of leaves helps prevent algae buildup and keeps them glossy. A few root tabs near its base can further boost growth in low-nutrient systems.

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🪴 Aquascaping Inspiration

Anubias barteri var. nana is a staple in both nature-style and Dutch aquascapes, offering deep green contrast and a calm visual anchor amidst fine-leaved or colourful plants. Attach it to driftwood roots or dark stone to achieve a lush, natural aesthetic — its rounded leaves soften sharp lines and add a sense of age and maturity to your design.

For a tropical forest look, pair it with mosses such as Taxiphyllum barbieri (Java Moss) and epiphytes like Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern) or Bucephalandra. Together they create a harmonious, layered composition that feels timeless and organic.

Because of its slow growth and ability to thrive in low light, Anubias nana is also ideal for low-tech aquariums, paludariums, and shrimp tanks. It remains vibrant even without CO₂ or intense fertilization, making it one of the most rewarding and long-lasting plants in the hobby.

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⚡ Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana

• Common Name: Anubias nana / Dwarf Anubias

• Origin: West Africa (Cameroon)

• Type: Rhizome plant (epiphyte)

• Light: Low–Medium

• CO₂: Optional

• Growth Rate: Slow–Moderate

• Height: 5–15 cm

• Placement: Foreground / Midground / On Hardscape

• Propagation: Rhizome division

• Ease of Care: Very Easy

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✨ Bring timeless beauty and reliability to your aquascape with Tropica Anubias barteri var. nana. Its rich green leaves, incredible resilience, and effortless charm make it a must-have for any aquarist looking to build a lasting, natural underwater world.

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