Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
nana
About this plant
Anubias barteri var. nana is a small, slow-growing aquatic plant popular in aquariums. It has thick, dark green leaves and a sturdy rhizome that attaches to rocks or driftwood. It is valued for its low light needs and ability to thrive underwater, making it ideal for beginners and low-tech tanks.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Anubias
- Family
- Araceae
- Higher classification
- Monocots, Arales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria)
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated worldwide in aquariums; native to West Africa, especially Cameroon and Nigeria.
Care
- Light preference
- Low light
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- North-facing, Northeast-facing, East-facing, Southeast-facing, South-facing, Southwest-facing, West-facing, Northwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Frequent
- Humidity
- High
- Minimum
- 22 °C
- Maximum
- 28 °C
- Optimal
- 22-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- N/A (aquatic plant)
- Soil pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Soil type
- aquarium substrate, attached to rocks or wood
Watering. As an aquatic plant, it grows submerged in water. Maintain clean water with regular changes to keep it healthy.
Fertilizing. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer suitable for aquatic plants every 2-4 weeks. Root tabs can be added if planted in substrate to provide nutrients.
Anubias barteri var. nana is a hardy aquatic plant that grows well in low light and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers stable water conditions and should not be buried deeply in substrate to avoid rhizome rot. Regular water changes and moderate fertilizing help keep it healthy.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- year-round (underwater flowers are rare)
Thick, dark green leaves with a glossy surface; compact form ideal for aquascaping.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets; safe to keep around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Anubias barteri var. nana is generally safe and unlikely to cause allergies. People sensitive to plant sap should handle it carefully to avoid mild skin irritation. It produces no airborne pollen, so it is safe for those with pollen allergies.
Common problems
Common problems include yellowing leaves due to poor water quality or too much light, and rhizome rot if buried too deep in substrate or overwatered.
Uses
Popular aquarium plant used for decoration and providing hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Notes
Do not bury the rhizome in substrate; attach it to rocks or driftwood instead. Trim dead leaves to promote growth. Repotting is rarely needed.