Anubias nana

Care at a glance

Overview

This is the classic beginner epiphyte for foreground and midground spots, attached to driftwood, stone, or hardscape with thread or cyanoacrylate glue. Keep the rhizome exposed above the substrate so it does not rot, and let the roots anchor naturally. It needs no CO2, tolerates low light, and feeds mostly from the water column, so liquid ferts are enough. Watch for algae buildup on the old leaves under bright light, and resist the urge to bury it.

In the wild

Anubias nana is the dwarf variety of Anubias barteri, native to Cameroon in West Africa. It grows on rocks and roots along shaded streams and riverbanks, living submersed when flooded and emersed on the banks when levels drop. The wild habitat is soft, slightly acidic, slow-moving forest water.

Good to know

It is a recognized botanical variety of Anubias barteri in the family Araceae, distinguished by its much smaller leaves and compact habit. Like the species it grows from a horizontal creeping rhizome rather than runners, and individual leaves can live for several years. It readily produces underwater flowers, a small white spathe around a spadix, even in aquariums.

Did you know

A single Anubias nana leaf can stay alive for two to three years, far longer than most aquarium plants, which is why a healthy rhizome slowly accumulates an attractive, bushy cluster of leaves over time.

Related plants

• Anubias Snow White

  Anubias barteri var. nana 'Snow White'

  Medium lightEpiphyte3.9 in (10 cm)

• 

  Anubias Butterfly

  Anubias 'Butterfly'

  Low lightEpiphyte5.9 in (15 cm)
• Anubias Coin Leaf

  Anubias barteri 'Coin Leaf'

  Low lightEpiphyte5.9 in (15 cm)

• 

  Anubias minima

  Anubias barteri var. glabra

  Low lightEpiphyte7.9 in (20 cm)
• Anubias Nangi

  Anubias 'Nangi'

  Low lightEpiphyte7.9 in (20 cm)

• 

  Anubias coffeefolia

  Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia

  Low lightEpiphyte9.8 in (25 cm)