Care guide · Freshwater · plants

Dwarf Anubias

Anubias barteri var. nana

Photo: Abhik.Mazumdar.73 · Source · CC BY 4.0Resized and compressed; no cropping or colour changes.

Dwarf Anubias (Anubias barteri var. nana) has firm, dark green leaves on a creeping rhizome. Slow growth makes it manageable among rocks and aquarium wood, but it still needs considered care. Long-lived leaves can collect algae under excessive light. Attachment is the key decision: keep the rhizome above the substrate and allow time for the roots to grip. Added CO₂ is not needed for ordinary care. Modest, appropriate fertilisation may help, with dosing based on the whole aquarium rather than the number of leaves. This is a structural plant for a calm layout, not a fast-growing nutrient sponge.

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At a glance

Difficulty: Easy
Plant height: 5–10 cm
Growth rate: Slow
Placement: On wood or rock, Foreground
Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 5.0–9.0
Light: Low, Moderate
CO₂: CO₂ injection not needed
Nutrient uptake: Through the water column
Root fertilisation: Not necessary
Attachment: Wood or rock
Propagation: Rhizome division

About this plant

The thick horizontal rhizome is the growing stem, distinct from the thin roots beneath it. New leaves and roots emerge from it. Nana identifies this small aquarium form of Anubias barteri. Kew treats the variety name as a synonym within that species; both names remain registered. Do not confuse it with even smaller named selections.

Natural habitat

This Anubias originates from tropical Africa; the nana form is associated with Cameroon. Its growth around wet margins helps explain its suitability for shade and attachment. Aquarium wood is a practical layout choice, not evidence of a shared natural habitat with South American fish. It can grow submerged, although leaves raised above water may need to adapt after purchase.

Placement in the aquarium

Use 22–28 °C and pH 5–9 as broad cultivation guidance, not targets to chase. Typical leaf height is 5–10 cm; older specimens may become larger. Attach loosely to wood or rock without constricting the growing tip. Roots may enter the substrate, but never cover the rhizome with sand or gravel. Leave room between plants for maintenance and water movement.

Light

Low to moderate light is sufficient. Taller plants can provide partial shade, without leaving the Anubias in complete darkness. Intense light cannot indefinitely accelerate slow growth and can encourage algae on old leaves. A general start-up approach is 6 hours, gradually increasing to 8 hours when growth is stable. This is not a measured species requirement or a substitute for appropriate intensity.

CO₂

Injected CO₂ is not needed for healthy, slow growth. Naturally available carbon can suffice under modest lighting. The plant can also grow in an aquarium that already uses CO₂, but that does not justify buying an installation solely for it. Avoid simultaneously increasing light and fertiliser to force growth; the animals and the aquarium’s stability come first.

Nutrition and fertilisation

An attached plant benefits from nutrients available in the water. These include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus small amounts of trace elements such as iron. Demand depends on stocking, water changes and other plants. A yellow leaf does not establish an iron deficiency. Check new growth and conditions first. A fertiliser without nitrate or phosphate does not replace those nutrients.

Substrate and root feeding

Nutrient soil is not a primary requirement for an Anubias growing on wood. Root tablets beneath it are not the main solution if its roots cannot reach that layer. The support should provide a stable anchor. Avoid repeatedly detaching the plant. If the rhizome becomes soft and dark, check for burial, injury or decay and carefully remove affected tissue.

Growth and pruning

Slow growth is normal: assess progress over time rather than expecting new leaves daily. Remove badly damaged or heavily algae-covered leaves at the leaf stalk with clean scissors. Retain healthy foliage and protect the growing tip. Gently remove loose debris while supporting the plant. Prevent faster neighbours from completely covering it.

Propagation

Divide a healthy, sufficiently large rhizome, leaving each portion several sound leaves and roots. Use clean tools and reattach the sections without burying the cut surface. An isolated cut leaf does not automatically become a complete new plant. Allow a recently moved or weakened specimen to recover before dividing it.

Suitable fish and animals

Small peaceful fish can use the leaves as cover, while shrimp and snails graze their surfaces. Tough leaves resist damage better than fine stem foliage, but large diggers and herbivores can still disturb the plant. Secure the hardscape. A suitable plant does not compensate for insufficient tank space, unsuitable temperatures or incompatible fish.

Possible problems

Algae on older leaves calls for checking light duration, position, debris and overall plant growth. Extra iron or CO₂ is not an automatic cure. After purchase, confirm that the rhizome remains firm and exposed if leaves decline. Healthy new leaves matter more than damaged old ones. Follow product instructions rather than applying treatments directly, and remove pruning debris.

Care for this plant

Plant fertiliser

Tools

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Lighting has been investigated but is not yet linked: available specifications do not adequately establish light class and coverage at plant depth.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on 8 October 2026.

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