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Form of Anubias barteri

Anubias nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

One of 29 forms of Anubias barteri · See all forms →

Also known as Dwarf Anubias, Anubias barteri nana

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias nana (Anubias barteri var. nana)
Carlosar · CC BY-SA 3.0

Forms · Anubias barteri

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Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
4.7 in
12 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa (Cameroon)

Overview

Anubias nana is the classic beginner epiphyte, a dwarf anubias that lives on wood or stone instead of in the substrate. It fits foreground and midground spots.

Did you know

A single Anubias nana leaf can stay alive for two to three years, far longer than most aquarium plants. That is why a healthy rhizome slowly builds up a bushy cluster of leaves.

Caring for Anubias nana

Attach the rhizome to driftwood or stone with thread or cyanoacrylate glue, and keep it exposed above the substrate. A buried rhizome rots, so resist the urge to bury it. The roots anchor on their own once the plant settles.

Anubias nana needs no added CO2 and tolerates low light. It feeds mostly from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer is enough.

Growth is slow, and the old leaves are where trouble shows. Watch for algae building up on them under bright light, and keep the light low. To make new plants, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Anubias nana is a recognized botanical variety of Anubias barteri in the family Araceae. Its much smaller leaves and compact habit set it apart from the species. Like the species, it grows from a horizontal creeping rhizome rather than runners. It readily flowers underwater, even in aquariums, with a small white spathe around a spadix.

In the wild

Anubias nana is native to Cameroon in West Africa. It grows on rocks and roots along shaded streams and riverbanks. It lives submersed when flooded and emersed for much of the year as the water recedes, in soft, slightly acidic, slow-moving forest water.

Common questions

Is Anubias nana a different species from Anubias barteri?

No. Anubias nana is a form of Anubias barteri. It reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in spread.

Does Anubias nana need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias nana grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does Anubias nana need CO2?

No. Anubias nana grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Anubias nana need?

Anubias nana is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Anubias nana need root tabs?

No. Anubias nana feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Anubias nana?

Anubias nana propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Anubias nana grow?

Anubias nana grows to about 4.7 in (12 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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