Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) is one of the most iconic and widely loved plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to West Africa, this compact, slow-growing plant is renowned for its thick, dark green oval leaves and bulletproof care requirements. Anubias Nana is often called the perfect beginner plant because it thrives in nearly any aquarium condition and requires almost no specialized care. Whether attached to driftwood, anchored to rockwork, or used as a midground feature, Anubias Nana brings timeless beauty and reliability to every planted aquarium.
Common Name: Anubias Nana, Dwarf Anubias
Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana
Origin: West Africa
Placement: Midground, Hardscape Attachment
Maximum Height: 4–6 inches
Growth Rate: Slow
Care Level: Very Easy
Lighting Requirements: Low to Medium
CO2 Requirements: Not required
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Anubias Nana occasionally produces small white flowers in the aquarium, even under standard conditions.
Anubias Nana has held its place as a hobby essential for decades thanks to its incredible adaptability and undemanding nature. It is one of the few plants that can thrive in almost any aquarium, regardless of equipment or experience level.
Benefits of Anubias Nana include:
Thrives in low-light, low-tech aquariums
Compatible with shrimp, fish, and most invertebrates
Attaches readily to driftwood, rocks, and decorations
Resistant to being eaten by most herbivorous fish
Compact size suitable for medium and small tanks
Tolerates a wide range of water parameters
Anubias Nana prefers low to medium aquarium lighting. Strong direct lighting tends to encourage algae growth on the slow-growing leaves.
For best results:
Use low to medium planted tank lighting
Provide 6–8 hours of light daily
Avoid direct, concentrated bright spots
Use shade from taller plants if lighting is intense
CO2 injection is not required and is rarely necessary. The plant grows extremely slowly regardless of CO2 levels.
Steady, slow growth
Excellent for low-tech tanks
Minimal maintenance requirements
Slightly faster leaf production
Improved color and rhizome vigor
Modest overall benefit
Anubias Nana absorbs nutrients through its rhizome and leaves, not its roots. The dark, horizontal rhizome must NEVER be buried in substrate.
Recommended attachment methods include:
Tying to driftwood with thread or fishing line
Gluing to rocks with aquarium-safe super glue gel
Wedging into rock crevices
Attaching to decorations
Burying the rhizome causes rot and kills the plant.
To plant Anubias Nana successfully:
Position the rhizome flat against the chosen hardscape surface
Secure with cotton thread, fishing line, or super glue gel
Ensure the rhizome remains fully exposed to water
Place in moderate-flow areas of the tank
Allow several weeks for natural rhizoid attachment
After 4–8 weeks, the plant will anchor itself permanently and binding material can be removed.
Anubias Nana requires very little maintenance and is one of the most low-effort plants in the hobby.
Maintenance tips:
Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the rhizome
Wipe algae from leaves gently during water changes
Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer occasionally
Divide rhizomes by cutting between leaf nodes to propagate
Anubias Nana's slow growth means it rarely outgrows its space.
Anubias Nana is one of the most universally compatible aquarium plants and works well with nearly any species.
Compatible tank mates include:
Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, and Amano Shrimp
Tetras, Rasboras, and Danios
Bettas and Gouramis
Angelfish and Discus
Corydoras Catfish
Plecos and Otocinclus
African Cichlids (one of the few plants tolerated)
Most herbivorous fish leave Anubias alone due to its tough, slightly bitter leaves.
The most common issue, caused by slow leaf growth combined with strong lighting. Reduce light intensity and wipe leaves clean.
Caused by burying the rhizome in substrate. Lift the plant and attach to hardscape immediately.
Can indicate nutrient deficiency. Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer.
A rare but serious condition where the rhizome turns black and mushy. Affected sections must be cut away and discarded. Improve water circulation to prevent recurrence.
Anubias Nana is one of the most rewarding plants in the freshwater hobby and a true testament to elegant, low-maintenance aquascaping. Its thick, dark green leaves and undemanding nature make it perfect for beginners, busy hobbyists, and detailed aquascapers alike. Whether attached to driftwood, anchored to stone, or used as a midground accent, Anubias Nana will reward you with years of slow, steady, beautiful growth that adds depth and dimension to any planted aquarium.
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