Anubias Barteri var. nana is the most widely kept Anubias in the hobby and the benchmark compact rhizome plant against which most other low-light hardscape plants are measured. It produces small, oval to slightly rounded, deep-green leaves on short petioles from a compact, creeping rhizome -- a plant that stays consistently small, grows slowly and steadily, and tolerates virtually any freshwater tank condition that does not involve burial of its rhizome or prolonged direct intense light on its leaves. It attaches directly to driftwood and stone, requires no substrate, produces no roots that penetrate hardscape, and develops biofilm and algae-grazing surfaces on its broad leaf faces that shrimp actively use. Among the most reliably successful aquarium plants available at any experience level, in any tank size, under any light condition from low to medium. Fully safe with all Neocaridina, Caridina, and snails.
Not RequiredCO2
72-82FTemperature
Low-MedLighting
What to Expect
Appearance, Growth and Character
Small, rounded, deep-green leaves -- the most compact barteri form -- Nana leaves are smaller and more rounded than any other barteri variety -- typically 3-6cm in length with a broadly oval outline and a noticeably compact, neat appearance that makes it effective in nano tanks and small hardscape arrangements where larger barteri forms would dominate. The deep, rich green holds consistently under low to medium light without yellowing or fading, providing a reliable, unfussy green anchor at whatever scale and position it is placed.
Attaches to driftwood and stone -- no substrate required -- the rhizome attaches to the surface of any hardscape over two to three weeks when secured with cotton thread or aquarium-safe super glue gel. Once attached, the plant is fixed and draws nutrition entirely from the water column rather than from substrate. This makes Nana completely independent of substrate type or depth, and allows it to be positioned at any height in the tank on any piece of driftwood or stone.
Rhizome must never be buried -- the only care rule that matters -- the single non-negotiable requirement for Anubias is that the rhizome -- the horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots emerge -- remains fully above the substrate and in contact with open water at all times. Buried rhizomes rot. This rule is consistent across all Anubias varieties and applies regardless of how deep the roots are buried in substrate.
Very slow growth -- new leaves emerge one at a time over weeks -- Nana adds new leaves from the growing tip of the rhizome at a pace of roughly one leaf every two to four weeks in good conditions. This slow pace is not a sign of poor conditions -- it is normal and expected. Patience is the primary virtue required for keeping Anubias. The plant does not respond to attempts to accelerate its growth; it grows at its own pace regardless.
Shrimp actively graze and forage on leaf surfaces -- the broad faces of Nana leaves develop biofilm and mild algae coatings that shrimp graze continuously. Shrimp are regularly visible sitting on top of leaves, working across the surface, and investigating the undersides of leaves and the rhizome surface. An established Nana plant on a frequently visited piece of driftwood is one of the most active shrimp observation points in a planted tank.
Produces daughter plants from the rhizome over time -- as the rhizome grows and branches, daughter plants develop at the branch points and gradually expand the footprint of the plant on the hardscape. Daughter plants with their own leaves and rhizome sections can be separated and attached to a new piece of hardscape once they have three or more leaves.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1Attach rhizome to hardscape with cotton thread or super glue gel -- full rhizome exposed -- press the rhizome flat against the driftwood or stone surface and wrap with a few loops of black cotton thread, or apply a small amount of gel super glue to the dry hardscape surface, press the rhizome firmly, and hold for 30 seconds before submerging. The plant attaches independently over two to three weeks. Thread dissolves or can be removed once attachment is confirmed.
2Position where leaves face the viewing angle -- Anubias leaves are most visually effective when the broad leaf faces are presented toward the front glass. Attach on the face of driftwood or the front surface of a stone rather than on the back or underside where leaves face away from the viewer.
3Low to medium light with consistent 8-10 hour photoperiod -- Nana grows and looks its best under low to medium light. Excess light encourages algae to establish on the broad leaf surfaces -- a persistent nuisance that is avoided by keeping light at moderate levels rather than the high intensities that fast-growing stem plants appreciate. If algae develops on leaves, increase flow across the plant and reduce photoperiod duration before attempting to scrub leaves.
4Fertilise consistently with balanced liquid formula including iron -- regular liquid fertilisation two to three times weekly maintains the deep green colour of established leaves and supports the steady, slow production of new leaves over months and years. Iron is the most important micronutrient for Anubias colour quality -- iron deficiency manifests as progressively paler, yellowing new growth.
Bonus TipAnubias Nana on a small piece of driftwood positioned in the foreground-to-midground transition zone -- sitting on or slightly buried in the substrate with the rhizome above it -- reads as a naturally placed midground element that anchors the layout without competing for vertical space with taller background plants. The compact scale of Nana at this position creates a clearly readable plant hierarchy from foreground carpet to Nana midground to tall background plants that makes the layout appear more deliberately composed than any of its individual components would suggest in isolation.
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Browse more aquatic plantsPair Anubias Nana with Bucephalandra, Java Fern, or Cryptocorynes for a complete low-light hardscape planting. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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