Source: Wikimedia Commons
Anubias Nana
BeginnerAnubias barteri var. nana
Hardy shade plant from Africa. Typically attached to driftwood or rocks. Thrives without CO2 in low light — ideal for beginners. Very slow growth keeps layouts stable.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜30℃
Size
5-15cm
Diet
Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly. Minimal feeding needed
About
Anubias barteri var. nana is a rheophytic aquatic plant in the family Araceae, native to West Africa. First described by Adolf Engler in 1899 and reduced to varietal status in 1979, it produces thick, dark-green leathery leaves from a horizontal rhizome. In the aquarium it must be attached to driftwood or rock using fishing line or aquarium-safe adhesive — burying the rhizome in the substrate causes rot. Its outstanding shade tolerance means it thrives under low to moderate illumination without CO2 supplementation, making it ideal for beginners. Excessive light promotes algae growth on the slow-growing leaves. Remarkably resilient across a wide range of water parameters, this robustness explains its enduring dominance in the hobby worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria region)
Size
5-15cm
Temperature
20〜30℃
Diet
Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly. Minimal feeding needed
Care Guide
Attachment
Fix to wood or rock with thread/glue. Never bury the rhizome
Lighting
Low to medium light sufficient. Strong light encourages algae
CO2
Not needed. CO2 slightly speeds growth if provided
Notes
Leaves attract algae (esp. black beard). Shrimp help control it
Beginner-friendlyShade plantAttachedNo CO2 needed
Anubias Nana FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Anubias Nana?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Anubias Nana?
A
The ideal temperature for Anubias Nana is 20〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Anubias Nana get?
A
Anubias Nana typically reaches 5-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Anubias Nana?
A
Anubias Nana feeds on: Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly. Minimal feeding needed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Anubias Nana?
A
The price of Anubias Nana varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Browse Aquatic Plant ListingsRelated Articles
Complete Anubias Guide — The Best Epiphytic Plant for Beginners
Complete Anubias guide: varieties, attachment methods, trimming, propagation, and why it's the best beginner aquatic plant.
Complete Beginner's Guide to Aquatic Plants
Everything beginners need to start growing aquatic plants: equipment, planting, trimming, and recommended easy-care species.
Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia — Popular Species & Care Guide
An encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with growth difficulty, CO2 requirements, and layout examples for each.
How Much Does Aquatic Plant Growing Cost? Monthly Running Costs Explained
Monthly aquatic plant growing costs: electricity, CO2, fertilizers, and substrate, with high-light vs. low-light tank comparisons.