Anubias Nana

Anubias barteri var. nana

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae

📍 West Africa

Anubias Nana is the classic dwarf variety of Anubias barteri, producing compact rosettes of small, dark-green ovate leaves on a slow-creeping rhizome. Its diminutive size makes it one of the most popular choices for nano tanks and foreground planting on hardscape. Like all anubias it must be attached to wood or rock — burying the rhizome causes rot.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't damage plant leaves and benefit from the plant's shelter

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that graze on algae and biofilm without harming the plant structure

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that provide visual interest without disturbing the plant

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and small enough to coexist well; appreciate the plant as shelter and cover

good

Java Moss

Excellent companion plant; can be attached nearby to create a lush foreground landscape

excellent

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Similar care requirements and growth rate; creates a cohesive planted aesthetic

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, blackened rhizome; mushy texture; foul odor; leaf yellowing and melting

Treatment

Remove plant and trim away rotted portions with sterile scissors. Replant only healthy rhizome sections above substrate. Ensure rhizome remains exposed to water flow. Improve water circulation and reduce organic buildup.

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)

Symptoms

Black or dark red fuzzy coating on leaves and rhizome; plant appears covered in hair-like growth

Treatment

Manually remove affected leaves. Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily. Increase water changes and reduce excess nutrients. Add algae-eating shrimp or fish. Consider hydrogen peroxide spot treatment (1-2 mL per 10 gallons) as a last resort.

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Pale or yellowing new leaves; stunted growth; transparent or translucent foliage

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer containing macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (iron, boron, manganese). Increase fertilizer frequency if fish bioload is low. Ensure adequate light (15-50 PAR) for nutrient uptake.

Leaf Melting

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; occurs after major water parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0, temperature 22-28°C). Acclimate plant gradually to new conditions over 1-2 weeks. Remove melted leaves to prevent decay. Ensure adequate water circulation and avoid sudden temperature swings.