Anubias barteri var. nana 'Golden' is the yellow-gold form of the classic Nana — the same compact, slow-growing, indestructible epiphyte that has anchored low-tech planted tanks for decades, but with warm golden-yellow leaf coloration that makes it one of the only genuinely bright, luminous plants available to keepers who run low-light, no-CO₂ setups. Where standard Nana provides deep green structure, the Golden form provides color contrast — a warm point of light that reads clearly against dark hardscape, green mosses, and the deep tones of other low-light plants. It attaches to driftwood and rock, feeds through its leaves, never needs substrate, and is one of the most forgiving plants in the hobby. Fully safe with all Neocaridina, Caridina shrimp, and fry.
Not Required
CO₂
72–82°F
Temperature
Low–Med
Lighting
What to Expect
Growth & Behavior Over Time
Warm yellow-gold leaves that hold their color under low light — the golden coloration is a stable cultivar characteristic and not a deficiency or bleaching response. New leaves emerge with a bright, almost lime-yellow tone that deepens to a richer warm gold as they mature. The color is consistent and maintained even at low light levels, making this cultivar genuinely unique among low-tech plant options.
Stronger light intensifies the gold but risks algae on slow-growing leaves — medium light produces the deepest, most vivid gold coloration and the healthiest growth rate, but Anubias leaves grow slowly and are prone to algae coating under high intensity or long photoperiods. Keep lighting moderate and photoperiods consistent — 8 to 10 hours is typically the sweet spot for color without algae problems.
Compact Nana size stays manageable indefinitely — the Nana form stays small, with individual leaves typically reaching 2–4 cm in length. A mature plant builds a dense, multi-leaf cluster over time that remains well-proportioned for nano tanks, foreground and midground positions, and detailed hardscape arrangements without outgrowing its placement.
Rhizome must remain above the substrate — the horizontal rhizome connecting roots and leaves must never be buried. Even partial burial causes rot at the growing point that spreads through the plant. Attach to hardscape or position on the substrate surface with the rhizome fully exposed.
Exceptionally slow growth that lasts for years — Anubias barteri is one of the most long-lived plants in the freshwater hobby. The slow growth rate means changes are measured in months rather than weeks, but a well-kept Nana Golden will continue producing new leaves and expanding its rhizome for years without decline, requiring no replanting or major intervention.
Broad leaves accumulate biofilm generously — the smooth, firm leaf surface develops biofilm that Neocaridina, Caridina shrimp, and snails graze consistently. The golden coloration makes it easy to watch shrimp feeding across the leaf surface — one of the more visually satisfying plants to keep in a shrimp tank for this reason.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1
Attach to driftwood or stone — never plant in substrate — secure the rhizome to driftwood or rock with thread or a small amount of super glue gel. Anubias does not need substrate and actively suffers if the rhizome is buried. Position with the golden leaves facing outward in a spot that receives consistent low to medium light.
2
Keep the rhizome fully exposed — even if placing the plant among substrate rather than attaching to hardscape, ensure the rhizome sits at or above the surface. This is the single most important care requirement for any Anubias and the most common cause of loss after purchase.
3
Use moderate lighting with a consistent photoperiod — aim for 8–10 hours at low to medium intensity. This range supports the best color expression and healthy leaf development while minimizing the algae growth on leaves that becomes a persistent problem at higher intensities or longer photoperiods with slow-growing Anubias.
4
Dose liquid fertilizer regularly — as an epiphyte, Nana Golden draws nutrients from the water column through its leaves. A balanced liquid fertilizer routine covering macros and micros sustains the golden coloration and new leaf production over the long term. Iron in particular supports warm yellow tones in the new growth.
💡 Bonus Tip
Nana Golden and standard Anubias barteri var. nana on the same piece of driftwood is one of the simplest and most effective color contrasts in the low-tech planted hobby — the warm gold of the Golden form against the deep green of standard Nana creates an immediate visual separation that requires no aquascaping skill, no CO₂, and no high-maintenance plants to achieve.
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Browse more aquatic plants
Pair Nana Golden with standard Anubias, Bucephalandra, or mosses for a complete, low-maintenance planted layout. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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