Anubias Nana Plant

Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana)

Appearance & Growth

Add rich green color and sturdy, rounded foliage to your aquascape with Anubias Nana. Its thick leaves grow from a creeping rhizome, gradually forming a leafy cluster around rocks or driftwood. Shrimp can browse the broad leaf surfaces for biofilm, while the compact growth provides a natural accent without demanding frequent trimming. Expect slow, steady development rather than rapid coverage.

Size & Placement

Well suited to foreground and midground hardscape, depending on aquarium size. Attach it near the base of driftwood, along rock edges, or in a gently shaded space beneath taller plants. Allow room for the rhizome to extend and new leaves to unfold; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Compatible Tankmates

• Small, peaceful community fish such as tetras and rasboras
• Dwarf shrimp, which graze among the roots and leaves
• Plant-safe snails such as nerites
• Use caution with: vigorous diggers and large plant-eating fish. Sturdy leaves are not a guarantee against damage.

Planted-Tank Role

Anubias Nana softens hardscape with broad, dark green foliage that contrasts with grassy plants and fine-leaved stems. Its ability to grow attached to decor makes it useful where substrate planting is impractical. Healthy growth contributes modestly to nutrient uptake, but this slow-growing plant does not replace filtration or regular water changes.

Lighting & Nutrition

• Lighting: low to moderate aquarium lighting is suitable. Partial shade can help limit algae on its long-lived leaves.
• Photoperiod: start with 6–8 hours daily and adjust to plant response and algae growth.
• Fertilizer: a complete aquarium plant fertilizer used according to its label can supplement nutrients in the water.
• Root nutrition: nutrient-rich substrate is not required when the plant is attached to hardscape.
• CO2: injection is not essential in many setups. Balanced supplementation may support growth, but the plant remains naturally slow-growing.
• Avoid excessive light or fertilizer intended to force rapid leaf production.

Water Conditions

• Maintain stable tropical freshwater conditions.
• Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, water chemistry, lighting, or CO2 supply.
• Provide gentle circulation around the leaves and rhizome.
• Remove accumulated debris and gently clean leaf surfaces during routine maintenance.

Attachment & Planting Guidance

• Remove any pot, packing wool, bands, or weights carefully. If supplied as tissue culture, rinse away the growing gel.
• Identify the rhizome: the thick horizontal stem from which leaves and roots emerge.
• Secure the plant to rock or driftwood using a loose plant-safe tie or a small amount of aquarium-safe plant adhesive, following its directions.
• Keep the rhizome exposed to circulating water. Do not bury it in substrate or seal it beneath adhesive.
• If placing it at substrate level, only the roots may be buried; keep the rhizome above the surface.
• Avoid crushing the rhizome or wedging it tightly into a crevice. Allow roots time to grip the attachment surface.

Trimming & Propagation

• Remove damaged or deteriorating leaves near their base with clean scissors without cutting into the rhizome.
• Propagate an established plant by dividing a healthy rhizome into sections, each with several leaves and healthy roots where possible.
• Reattach divisions with the rhizome exposed and allow time for new growth.
• A single detached leaf will not normally develop into a complete new plant.
• Dispose of unwanted plant material in household waste, never in outdoor waterways.

Adjustment After Placement

Some older leaves may decline after transport or a change in growing conditions. Remove decaying material, keep the rhizome exposed, and watch for firm new growth. A healthy rhizome should remain firm; soft, deteriorating tissue needs attention rather than being buried or left beneath debris. Be patient with establishment and avoid repeatedly relocating the plant.