INTRODUCTION
In the world of rare and high-end aquascaping, Anubias nana ‘Ice’ is a breathtaking departure from the standard deep-green varieties. This cultivar is highly sought after for its unique variegation, featuring leaves that transition from a creamy white to a pale, minty green.
Unlike the more common ‘White’ or ‘Pinto’ varieties, ‘Ice’ is prized for its more stable coloration and its smaller, compact leaf size. It acts as a “natural spotlight” in the aquarium, providing a bright, cool-toned contrast against dark hardscape and traditional green mosses.
QUICK GUIDE
| Feature | Requirement / Detail |
| Difficulty | Moderate (More light-sensitive than green Anubias) |
| Growth Rate | Very Slow |
| Placement | Foreground / Midground (Attached to wood/rock) |
| Light Requirements | Low to Medium |
| Temperature | 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F) |
| pH Range | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (To support variegated growth) |
IN THE WILD
As a cultivated variety, Anubias nana ‘Ice’ does not exist in the wild. It is a result of selective breeding and lab cultivation based on the original Anubias barteri var. nana from West Africa.
- The Genetic Trade-off: The white/pale coloration in the leaves is due to a lack of chlorophyll. While this makes the plant look stunning, it also means it is less efficient at photosynthesis than its green relatives.
- Shade Adaptation: Even though it is a cultivar, it retains the rheophytic nature of its ancestors, preferring to be anchored to hard surfaces rather than buried in the soil.
IN THE AQUARIUM
‘Ice’ is a “luxury” plant that requires a slightly more attentive eye than standard Anubias.
- Never Bury the Rhizome: This remains the most important rule. Keep the thick horizontal stem exposed to the water column at all times to prevent rot.
- Light Balance: This variety is the “Goldilocks” of lighting. If the light is too low, it may struggle to grow due to its lower chlorophyll levels. If the light is too high, its slow-growing white leaves are highly susceptible to Green Spot Algae, which can ruin the aesthetic.
- Nutrient Stability: To maintain the crisp white and mint tones, stable water parameters and a consistent liquid fertilizer routine are essential.
- Contrast Scaping: It looks best when wedged into the crevices of dark stones like Lava Rock or Black Pagoda Stone, where the “ice-white” leaves can truly pop.
PROPAGATION
Propagation for ‘Ice’ is identical to other Anubias, though extra care should be taken as the plant grows significantly slower:
- Rhizome Health: Ensure the plant is well-established before cutting. A healthy rhizome should be firm and a light green color.
- The Cut: Use a sterilized blade to divide the rhizome.
- The Leaf Count: Because ‘Ice’ has less chlorophyll, it is safer to ensure each cutting has at least 4 to 6 leaves. Smaller cuttings may not have enough energy to establish a new growing point quickly.
- Re-anchoring: Use thread or aquarium-safe superglue to secure the new cutting. Avoid using too much glue, as it can be more visible against the pale leaves.
MY OBSERVATIONS
‘Ice’ is the perfect plant for “Brightening” a dark corner of a scape. In my experience, it pairs beautifully with dark red plants like Bucephalandra ‘Kedagang’ or Alternanthera reineckii.
Pro-Tip: If you notice the white leaves turning slightly yellow, check your iron levels. While you don’t want to over-fertilize (which invites algae), a steady supply of micronutrients helps keep the “cool” tones of the ‘Ice’ variety looking crisp and clean.
BUYING OPTIONS
We offer the rare Anubias nana ‘Ice’ in two premium formats to help you achieve a high-end look:
1. Tissue Culture
The safest way to acquire rare variegated species.
- 100% Sterile: Guaranteed free of snails, algae, and parasites.
- High Yield: Each cup contains multiple small “starts,” allowing you to dot this rare white foliage across several areas of your tank.
- Best for: Nano tanks and collectors who want the cleanest possible start for a delicate variety.
2. Living Wall Mats
An incredible opportunity to own a large amount of this rare variety at once.
- Instant Maturity: These mats feature dozens of ‘Ice’ rhizomes grown into a dense, interlocking carpet.
- The “White Carpet” Effect: Can be used to create a stunning, pale foreground “lawn” or attached to the background for a unique, minty-green living wall.
- Best for: Large display tanks and scapers who want to make a bold, immediate statement with rare variegation.
