Source: Wikimedia Commons
Anubias Nana
BeginnerAnubias barteri var. nana
Hardy shade plant from Africa. Typically attached to driftwood or rocks. Thrives without CO2 in low light — ideal for beginners. Very slow growth keeps layouts stable.
About
Anubias barteri var. nana is a rheophytic aquatic plant in the family Araceae, native to West Africa. First described by Adolf Engler in 1899 and reduced to varietal status in 1979, it produces thick, dark-green leathery leaves from a horizontal rhizome. In the aquarium it must be attached to driftwood or rock using fishing line or aquarium-safe adhesive — burying the rhizome in the substrate causes rot. Its outstanding shade tolerance means it thrives under low to moderate illumination without CO2 supplementation, making it ideal for beginners. Excessive light promotes algae growth on the slow-growing leaves. Remarkably resilient across a wide range of water parameters, this robustness explains its enduring dominance in the hobby worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Anubias Nana
The Anubias Nana grows to 5-15cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Anubias Nana
The ideal temperature for the Anubias Nana is 20〜30℃.
Basic Info
Origin
West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria region)
Size
5-15cm
Temperature
20〜30℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly. Minimal feeding needed
Growing Tips
Attachment
Fix to wood or rock with thread/glue. Never bury the rhizome
Lighting
Low to medium light sufficient. Strong light encourages algae
CO2
Not needed. CO2 slightly speeds growth if provided
CO2 & Fertilizer
Needs little fertiliser; dosing liquid fertiliser once or twice a month is enough. CO2 is unnecessary and only speeds growth slightly if added.
Water Temperature & Quality
Tolerates a wide water temperature range of 20-30°C. It also copes well with changes in water quality and grows reliably in a wide range of tank environments.
Notes
Leaves attract algae (esp. black beard). Shrimp help control it
Anubias Nana FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Anubias Nana?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Anubias Nana?
The ideal temperature for Anubias Nana is 20〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Anubias Nana get?
The mature size of Anubias Nana is 5-15cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Anubias Nana?
Anubias Nana: watering & fertilizer — Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly. Minimal feeding needed. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Anubias Nana?
The price of Anubias Nana varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Anubias barteri var. nana (Engl.) Crusio
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Sources: Ministry of the Environment Designated Invasive Species List (Invasive Species Act) / CITES Appendix II listed plant taxa (family and genus level)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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