Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'
BeginnerAnubias barteri var. nana 'Golden'
A selection of Anubias nana whose new leaves emerge light green to golden yellow, clearly unlike the dark green standard form. Leaves darken in weak light. It traces back to a mutant found at a Taiwanese nursery.
About
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' is a cultivar fixing a leaf-colour mutation of the Cameroonian dwarf Anubias (var. nana). According to Dennerle it was discovered in cultivation at a Taiwanese nursery, and after isolation it took several years to establish a stable stock. Colour is the identifier: whereas normal nana is dark green, the young leaves of 'Gold' are lemon-yellow to light green and older leaves settle to light or mid green. Leaf shape and habit (5–10 cm tall, creeping rhizome) match var. nana. In weak light the leaves darken and look much like ordinary nana, so avoid very dim spots. Tissue-culture cups are common; Dennerle recommends medium light, and otherwise care is the same as for ordinary nana. Similar trade names such as 'Gold', 'Golden' and 'Golden Heart' circulate abroad, so check the seller's labelling if you want a particular line. Both pots and cups are widely sold in Japan.
Size of the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'
The Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' grows to 5–10 cm tall.
Temperature & humidity for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'
The ideal temperature for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' is 22〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (from a mutant found at a Taiwanese nursery; var. nana itself is from Cameroon)
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by division
Size
5–10 cm tall
Temperature
22〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser
Growing Tips
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.
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'?
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 barteri var. nana 'Gold'?
The ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' get?
The mature size of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' is 5–10 cm tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'?
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold': watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2 or fertiliser. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold'?
The price of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Gold' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 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
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Anubias variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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