Anubias Nana Care: The Complete Beginner's Aquarium Guide

Overview

Anubias Nana is arguably the most resilient plant in the aquarium hobby. Native to the streams of West Africa, it is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on rocks and wood rather than in soil. Its thick, dark green leaves provide excellent cover for shy fish and resting spots for slow-swimming species.

Its slow growth rate makes it an ideal choice for aquascapers who want a low-maintenance setup. It can adapt to a wide range of water parameters, making it beginner-friendly.

• Anubias Nana is a true aquatic plant that is perfect for low-tech setups.
• Its leathery leaves make it resistant to most herbivorous fish, such as goldfish.
• It is commonly used as a foreground or midground plant in freshwater aquariums.
• The plant helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nitrates.

Botanical Profile

The botanical name is Anubias barteri var. nana. It is a slow-growing aquatic herb with dark green, broad leaves that are thick and leathery to the touch.

The plant features a rhizome—a horizontal stem that grows along the surface. This rhizome is the most vital part of the plant and should never be buried.

• Anubias Nana is small, typically reaching only 2-4 inches in height.
• It can be propagated easily by cutting the rhizome into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves.
• The plant can flower underwater in healthy aquarium conditions, producing a small white spathe.

Light and Placement

Anubias Nana prefers low to medium light. It is highly adaptable but thrives best when shaded from direct, intense light to prevent algae accumulation on its leaves.

Place it attached to driftwood, rocks, or other hardscape features in the foreground or midground of your aquarium.

• Avoid placing the plant directly under high-intensity lighting.
• If you notice Green Spot Algae on the leaves, move the plant to a shaded area or reduce your light duration.
• Good water circulation around the rhizome is essential for preventing rot.

Care and Maintenance

The most important rule for Anubias is to keep the rhizome exposed to the water column. If buried, it will rot. Attaching it to hardscape is the standard method.

Maintenance is minimal. Occasional pruning of dead or decaying leaves is all that is required to keep the plant healthy.

• Remove decaying leaves promptly to maintain water quality.
• Clean the leaves gently if they become covered in algae or detritus.
• Ensure the aquarium water has good oxygenation and filtration.

Propagation Methods

Propagation is straightforward and usually done by division. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a razor blade to cut the rhizome.

Each section must have a piece of the rhizome and several leaves to survive. Once cut, reattach the pieces to rocks or wood using fishing line or glue.

• Sterilize tools before cutting to prevent infection.
• Allow the cut section to heal for a few minutes before attaching.
• The plant will slowly re-establish its root system on the new surface.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Anubias Nana is generally hardy, but 'melting' or rhizome rot is the most common issue. This is usually due to poor water flow or burying the rhizome.

Algae issues, specifically Green Spot Algae, are common due to the plant's slow growth rate.

• Monitor for signs of rhizome decay (mushy texture, bad smell).
• Ensure regular water changes to maintain stable parameters.
• Adjust light levels if algae becomes a persistent problem on the leaves.

Varieties and Buying Guide

Beyond the standard form, several highly sought-after varieties exist. Anubias Nana Gold features striking, lighter yellowish-green leaves and requires slightly more light to maintain its vibrant color. Anubias Nana Mini (often used interchangeably with 'Petite') is perfect for nano tanks, offering the same hardiness in a much smaller footprint. Because of its extremely slow growth rate, Anubias Nana is typically more expensive than fast-growing stem plants. Prices generally range from $6 to $15 per pot or bare-root portion depending on the size and variety, with rare varieties like 'Gold' or 'Pinto' commanding higher prices.