Anubias Nana Plant Care Guide (Dwarf Anubias)

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.

 

Anubias Nana Plant Overview

• 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.

 

Why Anubias Nana Is One of the Best Aquarium Plants for Beginners

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 Lighting & CO2 Requirements

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.

 

Without CO2

• Steady, slow growth

• Excellent for low-tech tanks

• Minimal maintenance requirements

With CO2

• Slightly faster leaf production

• Improved color and rhizome vigor

• Modest overall benefit

 

Best Placement for Anubias Nana

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.

 

How to Attach Anubias Nana

To plant Anubias Nana successfully:

1. Position the rhizome flat against the chosen hardscape surface

2. Secure with cotton thread, fishing line, or super glue gel

3. Ensure the rhizome remains fully exposed to water

4. Place in moderate-flow areas of the tank

5. 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 Maintenance

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.

 

Ideal Tank Mates for Anubias Nana

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.

 

Common Anubias Nana Problems

Algae Growth on Leaves

The most common issue, caused by slow leaf growth combined with strong lighting. Reduce light intensity and wipe leaves clean.

Rotting Rhizome

Caused by burying the rhizome in substrate. Lift the plant and attach to hardscape immediately.

Yellow Leaves

Can indicate nutrient deficiency. Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer.

Anubias Rot

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.

 

Final Thoughts

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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