Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Araceae
About
Anubias nana is a compact dwarf variety of the West African aroid Anubias barteri, staying under about 12 cm tall with clusters of small, thick, dark-green leaves. Like java fern it is an epiphyte: its creeping rhizome must be tied or glued to wood or rock and never buried, or it will rot. Almost indestructible, it thrives in very low light with no CO2 and its leathery leaves are ignored by most herbivorous fish.
Care
Attach the rhizome to hardscape and never bury it, keep light low to avoid algae on the slow leaves, and skip CO2. A light liquid fertiliser keeps leaves dark green but it survives lean tanks.
Diet
Draws nutrients from the water column through its leaves and roots; occasional liquid fertiliser deepens leaf colour, but the plant persists with none.
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Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does a Anubias Nana need?
- Anubias Nana does best at 22–28 °C (71.6–82.4 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–15 °dGH.
- Where should Anubias Nana be placed in the aquarium?
- Anubias Nana works best attached to wood or rock, not planted in the substrate and reaches around 12 cm.
- Is the Anubias Nana suitable for beginners?
- Yes — Anubias Nana is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.