Anubias Nana Care Guide
Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) is the workhorse of the planted tank: a tough, slow-growing rhizome plant with thick, dark green leaves that shrug off rough treatment. Like java fern, it attaches to hardscape and must never be buried, and it is hardy enough to survive in tanks where almost nothing else will. We recommend it for beginners, low-light tanks, and any setup with fish that nibble or uproot softer plants.
Quick Stats
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. nana
- Family: Araceae
- Origin: West Africa
- Care level: Easy
- Lighting: Low to medium
- CO2: Not required
- Growth rate: Very slow
- Placement: Foreground to midground, attached to hardscape
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
Planting: keep the rhizome exposed
The same rule that governs java fern governs anubias: do not bury the rhizome. The thick horizontal stem that the leaves and roots grow from has to stay above the substrate or it will rot. Attach the rhizome to driftwood or stone with thread or a dab of super glue gel, and let the roots take hold on their own. The roots themselves can dangle into the substrate, but the rhizome stays exposed.
Anubias is heavy and stays put once attached, which makes it ideal for tanks with cichlids, goldfish, or other fish that rearrange the decor. Tucked into the shade of driftwood it looks completely at home and needs almost no attention.
Light and the algae problem
Here is the one thing to understand about anubias: it grows slowly, and that slow pace is its weakness under bright light. Strong lighting does not make it grow faster; it just gives algae time to settle on those long-lasting leaves. Keep it in low to medium light, ideally shaded by taller plants or hardscape, and the leaves stay clean. No CO2 is needed. A little liquid fertilizer helps, but this plant is famously content with very little.
Patience and maintenance
Anubias grows at its own unhurried pace, often just a leaf every few weeks. That is normal. The payoff is a plant that lasts for years and looks good the entire time. Maintenance is minimal: wipe or trim any leaf that picks up algae, and remove the occasional old leaf at the base. Otherwise, leave it be.
Propagation
To propagate, cut the rhizome into sections, making sure each piece keeps at least three or four leaves and some roots. Attach the new pieces to hardscape the same way as the parent and they carry on growing. Cuttings establish best when they are not too small, so do not divide too aggressively.
Ordering from us
Plants ship wrapped damp in an insulated box and travel well in moderate weather. Anubias is one of the most robust plants we send and usually arrives in great shape. Rinse it on arrival, attach it to your hardscape in a shaded spot, and give it time to settle. As with any new plant, a quarantine or quick dip is good practice. See our Shipping & Acclimation and Water Chemistry guides for details. Questions? Email help@jojoaquatics.com.
— The JoJo Aquatics team, Key West, Florida
