Description:
Anubias nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) is a compact, hardy aquatic plant highly regarded for its deep green, leathery leaves and slow, steady growth. Native to West Africa, this plant is ideal for aquariums of all sizes, particularly nano and low-maintenance setups. Its thick, oval-shaped foliage provides a clean, natural look and remains attractive even in less-than-perfect conditions.
Under suitable conditions, Anubias nana may occasionally produce a small, pale yellow, banana-shaped flower that grows upward from the rhizome and points toward the water’s surface, this is a subtle but rewarding sign of a healthy plant.
Growth Habit:
Anubias nana grows from a horizontal rhizome rather than traditional roots, producing short stems with broad leaves that remain relatively low in height. It is best suited as a foreground or midground plant and is commonly attached to driftwood, rocks, or décor rather than planted directly into the substrate. Over time, the rhizome slowly expands, forming dense, bushy clumps that add structure and contrast to aquascapes.
Caring for Anubias nana:
To keep Anubias nana healthy and looking its best, follow these care guidelines:
- Placement and Attachment
The rhizome should never be buried, as this can lead to rot. Instead, attach the plant to hardscape using cotton thread, fishing line, aquarium-safe glue, or even just tucking it into a gap in the wood, rock or ornament of your choosing. The roots will naturally anchor themselves over time, but if just tucked into the ornament there is a chance the plant hasnt anchored in time so the plant may float off or get knocked out by a fish, so most times it is more secure to use one of the methods above.
- Lighting
Anubias nana thrives in low to moderate lighting. Due to its very slow growth rate, algae buildup can become more noticeable on the leaves in high-light aquariums. For this reason, it is best placed in shadier areas of the tank or partially sheltered by taller plants or hardscape.
In low-light aquariums, Anubias nana performs exceptionally well even when positioned out in the open. In tanks with stronger lighting, the plant prefers partial shade rather than direct, intense light, though it should not be kept in complete darkness.
- Fertilisation
This plant benefits from occasional liquid fertiliser, particularly in lightly stocked tanks where nutrient availability may be lower. Root fertilisers are unnecessary, as Anubias nana primarily absorbs nutrients through its leaves and rhizome.
- CO2 Injection
CO2 injection is not required. While additional CO2 may slightly improve growth, Anubias nana remains healthy and stable in low-tech aquariums without supplementation.
- Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal. Remove any damaged or algae-covered leaves as needed. Due to its slow growth, trimming is rarely required. Propagation is easily achieved by dividing the rhizome, ensuring each section contains several healthy leaves.
Compatibility:
Anubias nana is extremely versatile and compatible with most freshwater fish and invertebrates. Its tough leaves make it resistant to grazing, even from species known to nibble plants. Corydoras are particularly fond of Anubias, often using the broad leaves and sheltered areas beneath them as preferred sites for egg laying. The plant also provides excellent resting and hiding spots for shrimp, fry, and small fish, making it a valuable addition to community and breeding tanks.
Please note: As with most live aquatic plants, hitchhikers such as snails, duckweed, or algae may occasionally be present. We inspect and rinse all plants before dispatch though sometimes these unwanted guests may slip through the cracks, for full sterilisation steps, see our Acclimation Guide tab above!
Care Guide:
- Species – Anubias barteri var. nana
- Common Name – Anubias
- Origin – West Africa
- Lighting – Low to Moderate
- Tank Level – Front to Mid
- Care Level – Easy
- CO2 Requirements – Low
- Growth Rate – Slow
- PH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 22 – 28°c
- Size – Grows to approximately – 15cm tall
- Propagation – Rhizome cuttings
Acclimation Guide:
- Rinse, Inspect & Sterilise: Remove the plants from the bag. Rinse gently under room-temperature tap water to remove residual shipping water.
- Carefully inspect for damaged or decaying leaves and trim them off as needed, this helps the plant stay healthy and put all its attention towards growing all the remaining healthy leaves.
As with most live aquatic plants, regardless of source, hitchhikers such as snails (learn how to control them), duckweed, or algae may occasionally be present despite our pre-dispatch inspection and rinse.
For peace of mind, we recommend using Blue Planet Snail Rid or performing a bleach dip before introducing plants to your tank:
- Mix 20 cups of water to 1 cup of plain bleach (no additives or scents) in a bucket or container
- Using gloves or other protective gear submerge plants completely in the solution for 2 minutes
- Remove plants from bleach dip, dispose of the chlorine water and soak the plant in dechlorinated water in a different container (add water Conditioner such as Aquasonic Power or equivalent to remove chlorine residue from the plant) for 3 minutes (stir the water around to make sure the water conditioner is completely mixed through)
- Tip out the water and repeat the dechlorinated soak once more with water conditioner to make sure all signs of chlorine are removed
- One more thorough rinse with tap water and now your plant should be completely pest free and you can plant as normal
⚠️ Not suitable for delicate plants like Val or mosses, use a diluted solution or skip to a plain water rinse for these.
⚠️ If under 18, please have a parent or guardian supervise when handling chemicals.
- Optional - Quarantine: To further prevent introducing pests or algae into your main aquarium, consider quarantining the plants in a separate container, tank or bucket for a few days.
- Planting: Gently plant the rinsed and trimmed plants into your aquarium substrate. For rooted plants, bury the roots just enough to anchor them, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) remains above the substrate. For floating plants, keep them floating on the surface, their leaves and roots will adjust to your tank's conditions naturally. For rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern, attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.
- Monitor and Maintain: It's normal for new plants to exhibit some melting or leaf loss as they adjust. Maintain stable water parameters and provide appropriate lighting to support their acclimation. Avoid major water changes or adding new livestock for the first 24 hours to give the plants time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish and plants.
Anubias Nana
Anubias Nana
Low stock: 3 left
Need more details? Everything about shipping, care and guarantees is just below.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
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Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
If your aquarium is new, it may not be fully cycled yet. Newly set up tanks benefit from being fully cycled before adding fish, this process helps your new fish stay happy and healthy. Depending on your tank size, cycling can take up to 4–6 weeks or even longer, but there are ways to speed up this process to just a few days! If your tank has already been running for a while, you’re already good to go! Not sure what cycling means? Check out our guide on The Nitrogen Cycle for an easy explanation on what it is, and why it is important for your aquarium to thrive.
🐟 Want expert tips for your aquarium? Beginners can start with How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
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Tank Mate Compatibility
✅ Compatible With
- Peaceful Community Fish — Bettas, Tetras, Rasboras, Guppies and other peaceful species are excellent companions, as they won't damage the tough leaves.
- Cleanup Crew — Nerite Snails, Otocinclus Catfish and Amano Shrimp help keep the broad leaves free from algae without harming the plant.
- Hardscape — Attach Anubias to driftwood, rocks or aquarium decorations using cotton thread, fishing line or aquarium-safe glue for healthy long-term growth.
- Low-Light Aquariums — One of the best plants for shaded areas beneath driftwood, taller plants or floating vegetation where many other species struggle.
- Community Planted Tanks — Combines well with Java Fern, Cryptocoryne and mosses to create a natural, low-maintenance aquascape.
❌ Avoid or Use Caution
- Buried Rhizomes — Never bury the thick horizontal rhizome beneath sand, gravel or soil, as it will rot. Only the roots should be attached or lightly covered.
- Destructive Herbivores — Large Goldfish, large Cichlids and plant-eating Plecos may uproot the plant or damage its leaves.
- Intense Lighting — Strong lighting for extended periods encourages algae to grow on the slow-growing leaves, reducing the plant's appearance.
- Frequent Relocation — Once established, Anubias prefers to remain undisturbed. Constant moving or reattaching can slow growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant Anubias in the substrate?
No. The rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) should never be buried, as this can cause it to rot. Instead, attach Anubias to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium decorations using cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue. The roots will naturally attach themselves over time.
Does Anubias need CO₂?
No. Anubias grows exceptionally well without CO₂ injection, making it one of the best plants for low-tech aquariums. While additional CO₂ may slightly increase growth, it is not required to keep the plant healthy.
Why is algae growing on my Anubias leaves?
Because Anubias grows very slowly, algae has more time to establish itself on the leaves than on faster-growing plants. Placing the plant in a shaded area, reducing excessive lighting, maintaining balanced nutrients, and introducing algae-eating species such as Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails, or Otocinclus can all help minimise algae growth.
How fast does Anubias grow?
Anubias is considered a slow-growing aquarium plant. New leaves may only appear every few weeks depending on lighting, nutrients, and water conditions. Although growth is gradual, the plant is extremely hardy and can thrive for many years with minimal maintenance.
Can I keep Anubias with goldfish or plant-eating fish?
Anubias is one of the few plants that often survives alongside fish known for damaging plants. Its thick, leathery leaves are much tougher than those of most aquarium plants, making them less appealing to many herbivorous fish. However, particularly destructive species may still damage or uproot the plant.
How do I propagate Anubias?
Propagation is simple. Once the rhizome has grown several healthy leaves, it can be divided using sharp scissors or a clean blade. Ensure each section has at least three to four healthy leaves and a portion of the rhizome before reattaching it to hardscape.
Can Anubias flower underwater?
Yes. Healthy, well-established Anubias occasionally produce a small pale yellow or cream-coloured flower that grows from the rhizome. Although flowering is not common, it is a good indication that the plant is thriving in your aquarium.
Do I need root tabs for Anubias?
No. Unlike many aquarium plants, Anubias absorbs most of its nutrients through its leaves and rhizome rather than its roots. Liquid fertilisers are generally more beneficial than root tabs.
Is Anubias suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Anubias is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow thanks to its hardy nature, low light requirements, and ability to thrive without CO₂. Its slow growth also means it requires very little maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
Can shrimp and fish use Anubias as shelter?
Yes. The broad leaves provide excellent resting places and shelter for shrimp, fry, and small fish. Corydoras also commonly lay their eggs on the leaves, making Anubias a fantastic addition to community aquariums and breeding setups.
