Ask any planted tank enthusiast to name their favourite beginner plant and Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) will appear on nearly every list. Compact, tough, and effortlessly attractive, this West African native brings a lush, jungle-like quality to any aquarium. From small nano tanks to large community setups, Anubias Nana earns its place every time.
Quick Care Overview
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Low to Medium |
| Temperature | 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F) |
| pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to Hard (very adaptable) |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Growth Rate | Very Slow |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Lighting Requirements
Anubias Nana thrives in low to medium light — and just like Java Fern, it actually suffers under high intensity lighting, which encourages algae to colonize its slow-growing leaves. Keep your photoperiod to 8–10 hours per day and use moderate output LEDs or T5/T8 fluorescent tubes. Positioning Anubias under the shade of larger plants or floating plants is a classic aquascaping trick that keeps it happy and algae-free.
Water Parameters
Anubias Nana is remarkably flexible with water chemistry. It handles the wide pH range of 6.0–7.5 and adapts to both soft and hard water with ease. This is great news for Canadian aquarists — most municipal tap water across Canada (particularly in Ontario and Alberta) is moderately hard to hard, and Anubias Nana handles it without complaint. Keep temperatures between 22°C and 28°C for best results.
CO2 and Fertilization
No CO2 is required. Anubias Nana grows very slowly regardless of CO2, so injection provides only marginal benefit and isn't worth the cost for most hobbyists. Liquid fertilizer dosed weekly — particularly iron and potassium — keeps the leaves a deep, healthy green. Because Anubias is a rhizome plant that feeds through its leaves and rhizome, root tabs are unnecessary.
How to Plant Anubias Nana
Like Java Fern, the rhizome must never be buried in substrate. Bury it and the plant will rot within weeks. Instead, attach it to hardscape using:
- Fishing line or cotton thread (tied around the rhizome and driftwood/rock)
- Cyanoacrylate (super glue gel) — safe for aquarium use once cured
- Specialty plant anchors available at aquarium stores
Anubias is also stunning when wedged into crevices between rocks without any attachment — its roots will grip the surface naturally over time.
Propagation
Propagating Anubias Nana is simple. Once the rhizome has grown long enough (typically 8+ cm), use a clean pair of scissors to cut it into two sections, each with at least 3–4 leaves and some roots. Reattach both pieces to hardscape. Each section will continue growing independently. This is a slow process — expect to wait several months before the plant is large enough to divide.
Common Problems
- Algae on leaves: The #1 issue with Anubias. Caused by too much light. Reduce intensity, shorten photoperiod, or position the plant in shade.
- Yellow or pale leaves: Usually an iron or micronutrient deficiency. Dose liquid fertilizer more consistently.
- Rhizome rot: The rhizome was buried or has poor flow around it. Remove, trim, and reattach correctly.
- Extremely slow growth: Completely normal for this species — patience is key.
Tank Mates and Uses
Anubias Nana's tough, waxy leaves make it one of the few plants that stands up to herbivorous fish. It's a top choice for tanks with goldfish, cichlids, and large plecos. Shrimp adore it — they graze on biofilm covering the leaves and use it as shelter. In aquascaping it's commonly used as a foreground or midground accent plant on driftwood or rock formations.
Canadian Hobbyist Tip
Anubias Nana is an excellent choice for ordering online during Canadian winters. Its thick, waxy leaves and rhizome hold up exceptionally well during cold-weather shipping. At AquaPlantz we ship all Anubias varieties with heat packs when temperatures drop below 5°C, ensuring your plants arrive in perfect condition anywhere from Markham to Manitoba.
Conclusion
Anubias Nana is the definition of a reliable plant. It asks for very little, forgives beginner mistakes, and rewards you with beautiful, long-lasting leaves for years. If you're building a low-tech planted tank — or just want something that always works — Anubias Nana belongs in your aquarium. Shop Anubias Nana at AquaPlantz and get it shipped fresh to your door across Canada.
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