INTRODUCTION
If there were a “Hall of Fame” for aquarium plants, Anubias barteri var. nana would be at the very top. Often simply called “Nana,” this plant is the quintessential beginner-friendly epiphyte. Known for its deep green, heart-shaped leaves and legendary “bulletproof” durability, it thrives in almost any water condition.
Whether you are scaping a high-tech Dutch-style tank or a low-light goldfish bowl, Anubias nana provides a lush, tropical look that few other plants can match for the effort required.
QUICK GUIDE
| Feature | Requirement / Detail |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Placement | Foreground / Midground (Attached to wood/rock) |
| Light Requirements | Low to Medium |
| Temperature | 20°C – 30°C (68°F – 86°F) |
| pH Range | 6.0 – 7.8 |
| CO2 Requirement | Optional |
IN THE WILD
Hailing from the shaded rivers and streams of West Africa (specifically Cameroon and Nigeria), Anubias nana is a true survivor.
- Semi-Aquatic Nature: In the wild, it grows on the banks of forest streams, often clinging to rocks or submerged logs. It is frequently flooded during the rainy season and remains submerged for months at a time.
- Shade Specialist: Because it grows under the dense canopy of African rainforests, it has evolved to be incredibly efficient at photosynthesis even in very low light levels.
- Toughness: Its thick, leathery leaves are designed to withstand rapid water currents and the occasional nibble from aquatic life.
IN THE AQUARIUM
Anubias nana is prized for its versatility. It reaches a maximum height of about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches), making it the perfect “filler” for gaps in your hardscape.
- Rhizome Management: Like all Anubias, the horizontal “trunk” or rhizome must remain above the substrate. If you bury the rhizome in sand or gravel, the plant will eventually suffocate and rot.
- Low Light King: This plant thrives where others fail. It is perfect for tanks with standard LED strips or shaded areas under larger “mother” plants.
- Flow & Algae: Because it is a slow grower, its leaves can be a magnet for Green Spot Algae (GSA). Placing it in an area with good water circulation—but away from the most intense light—helps keep the leaves clean.
PROPAGATION
Propagating Anubias nana is an easy way to expand your collection or share with friends. It requires a simple “divide and conquer” strategy:
- Select a Healthy Specimen: Choose a plant with a long, firm rhizome.
- The Division: Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a razor blade, cut the rhizome into smaller sections.
- Check the Leaf Count: Ensure each new section has at least 3 to 5 healthy leaves. This provides enough energy for the new cutting to establish itself.
- The Wait: After cutting, the nodes on the original rhizome will eventually activate and begin growing new leaves. Within a few weeks, the new cutting will begin sending out white anchor roots to grip its new home.
MY OBSERVATIONS
I’ve found that Anubias nana is the perfect “anchor” for a layout. If a piece of driftwood looks a bit bare or a rock looks too “clean,” wedging a small piece of Nana into a crack instantly adds age and character to the tank.
Pro-Tip: If you have persistent algae on the leaves, you can perform a “bleach dip” or an “Excel dip” outside the tank. Because the leaves are so thick and waxy, Anubias can handle treatments that would melt softer plants like Vallisneria.
BUYING OPTIONS
We provide Anubias barteri var. nana in two convenient formats to help you jumpstart your aquascape:
1. Tissue Culture
Cultivated in a sterile laboratory environment to ensure the highest quality.
- 100% Clean: No snails, no algae, and no hitchhikers.
- Uniformity: You receive multiple small, healthy plantlets that are easy to distribute across your hardscape.
- Best for: New setups where you want to ensure total biosecurity.
2. 6×4 Living Wall Mats
The ultimate choice for high-impact decorating and instant results.
- Pre-Grown Density: These mats feature a stablished rhizome woven together with moss, creating a thick, green “carpet” of Anubias and java moss.
- Easy Installation: These can be used as a lush foreground floor (resting on top of the substrate) or attached to your background to create a vertical “living wall” effect.
- Best for: Large aquariums or hobbyists looking for an immediate, mature look without the months of waiting.
Would you like me to move on to another variety, such as a colorful Cryptocoryne or a different Anubias type?
