Anubias barteri var. nana (Dwarf Anubias)

11 March 2026

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Hailing from the shaded rivers of West Africa, Anubias barteri var. nana is a cornerstone of the aquatic plant hobby. Its robust nature and minimal demands make it incredibly popular among beginners and seasoned aquascapers alike. This charming dwarf variety offers lush, dark green foliage, perfect for adding natural beauty and a touch of the wild to any freshwater aquarium.

Anubias barteri var. nana (Dwarf Anubias)

Description

Anubias barteri var. nana, commonly known as Dwarf Anubias, is a small, hardy, and highly adaptable plant originating from West Africa. It features thick, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that grow from a creeping rhizome. New growth often appears a lighter green, gradually darkening with maturity. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller aquariums or as a foreground/midground accent in larger setups. Unlike many aquatic plants, its leaves are quite tough, making it less susceptible to damage from herbivorous fish.

Care and Placement

This plant is incredibly easy to care for, thriving in a wide range of water parameters. It prefers low to medium light conditions; too much intense light can lead to algae growth on its slow-growing leaves. The most crucial aspect of Anubias care is to ensure its rhizome (the thick horizontal stem from which leaves and roots emerge) is never buried in the substrate. Burying the rhizome can cause it to rot and the plant to die. Instead, Anubias nana should be attached to hardscape elements like rocks or driftwood using fishing line, cotton thread, or super glue (cyanoacrylate gel). Over time, its roots will firmly attach to the surface.

Growth and Propagation

Anubias barteri var. nana is a slow-growing plant, which contributes to its low maintenance requirements. It does not require CO2 injection, though it will benefit from it with slightly faster and more robust growth. Regular liquid fertilization can also support healthy development. Propagation is straightforward: simply cut the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section has at least a few leaves and some roots. Each section can then be replanted or reattached to hardscape.

Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: Soft to hard water (GH 3-15)
Lighting: Low to Medium
CO2: Low (not essential, but beneficial)
Fertilization: Liquid fertilizers recommended, especially for micronutrients.

With its resilience and striking appearance, Anubias barteri var. nana is an excellent choice for any aquarist looking for a beautiful, undemanding plant to enhance their aquatic landscape.

Plant info

Colors: Dark green, Light green
Difficulty: Easy
Origin: Africa
Usage: On rock or root
Type: Rhizomatous
Growth rate: Slow
Height: 5-10 cm
Light demand: Low
CO2: Low

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