Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; maintained by division

Size

5–10 cm tall

Temperature

22〜28℃

Watering

Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

Lighting

Moderate light is best; too little makes the leaves darker and the golden tone fades.

CO2 & Fertilizer

CO2 is not required (grows at 0–10 mg/L). Light fertilisation is enough.

Water Temperature & Quality

Optimum 22–28°C; adapts to pH 5–9 and very soft to very hard water.

Substrate & Attachment

The rhizome rots easily if buried. Tie it to driftwood or stone with fishing line, or plant it with the rhizome resting on top of the substrate.

Trimming & Propagation

Very slow-growing. Propagate from side shoots on the rhizome.

Cautions

Leaf colour depends on light, so the yellow tone at purchase may not persist. Never release plants into the wild.

About Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'

Anubias Nana Golden is a gold-leaved Anubias barteri var. nana selection, a hardy 5-10cm perennial that's easy to grow and propagate by division, ideal for beginners.

7 things to know before growing Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'

1. 1Light and Placement

   To bring out the bright golden new growth, give the plant reasonably strong light rather than deep shade. In low light the leaves tend to stay a darker green, so position it under an aquarium plant light where it gets good brightness without harsh direct exposure.

2. 2Attach to Hardscape

   Like other Anubias, the rhizome will rot if buried in substrate, so the standard method is to tie or glue the plant onto driftwood or rock with cotton thread or aquatic-safe glue. Over time the roots take hold and the plant settles in securely.

3. 3Go Easy on CO2 and Fertilizer

   Supplemental CO2 isn't required, and it grows fine with light fertilizing. Light is a different matter: if it's too dim, the leaves darken and the golden color fades, so avoid very dark spots and give it moderate light. Because it needs little fertilizer, it fits well in tanks where you want to keep algae in check.

4. 4Water Temperature and Seasons

   As a tropical aquatic plant, it prefers stable warmth year-round rather than sharp temperature drops. In winter, a tank heater helps keep growth steady by preventing the water from getting too cold.

5. 5Propagate by Division

   As a perennial, this plant can be kept going for years through division. Once the rhizome has grown long and leafy, cut it into sections and attach each piece to its own driftwood or rock to start a new plant.

6. 6Algae Care and Trimming

   Because it grows slowly, algae can build up on the broad leaf surface over time. Gently wipe leaves with a soft sponge or brush if needed, and trim away any damaged older leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for new leaves showing a clear yellow-green to golden color, without dark blotches or mushy damage. A plant with a firm rhizome and several healthy leaves attached will settle in and grow more smoothly.

Frequently asked questions about Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'

Q.How is this different from regular Anubias Nana?

A.The main difference is leaf color: while standard Anubias nana has deep green leaves, the Golden variety produces new leaves in a bright yellow-green to golden shade. It's a selection that originated from a mutant plant found on a farm in Taiwan, and care is otherwise much the same as regular Anubias nana.

Q.Is this a good plant for beginners?

A.Yes, it's considered suitable for beginners. It's a hardy, easy-to-handle plant that can be kept for a long time with basic care.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It typically reaches about 5 to 10cm in height, staying compact enough to work well in foreground or midground layouts.

Q.How do I keep the golden leaf color vivid?

A.Giving the plant reasonably bright light is key, since leaves tend to darken under low light. Adjusting its placement and light exposure lets you influence how vivid the coloring stays.

Q.How can I propagate this plant?

A.As a perennial, it can be maintained and multiplied through division. Once the rhizome has grown enough, cut it into sections and attach each piece to driftwood or rock to grow as a new plant.

Handy Growing Tools for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'

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