Overview:
Common Names: Anubias nana, Dwarf Anubias, Nana
Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana
Synonym: Anubias nana
Family: Araceae
Origin: Cameroon, West Africa
Height: 2-6 inches (5-15 cm)
Width: 3-5 inches (8-13 cm)
Growth Rate: Slow
Placement: Foreground or Midground
Lighting Needs: Low to Moderate
Temperature: 72 - 82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: 3-10 dGH
Difficulty: Easy
Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana
Synonym: Anubias nana
Family: Araceae
Origin: Cameroon, West Africa
Height: 2-6 inches (5-15 cm)
Width: 3-5 inches (8-13 cm)
Growth Rate: Slow
Placement: Foreground or Midground
Lighting Needs: Low to Moderate
Temperature: 72 - 82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: 3-10 dGH
Difficulty: Easy
Origin and Distribution:
Originating from western regions of Africa, the Anubias species were first described in 1857. Over the years, a number of species have been described, causing the nomenclature to be in flux for quite some time. However, the current nomenclature has been stable for several decades, and stands at eight recognized species. In addition to the recognized species, there are also five varieties of Anubias barteri, which is the primary species used in aquariums.
Anubias barteri has five recognized cultivated varieties, including: A. barteri var. angustifolia, A. barteri var. barteri, A. barteri var. caladiifolia, A. barteri var. glabra, and A. barteri var. nana. In addition to the A. barteri varieties, the other Anubias species are: A. afzelii, A. gigantea, A. gilletii, A. gracilis, A. hastifolia, A. heterophyllai, and A. pynaertii. The genus Anubias is part of the family of flowering plants known as the Araceae, which includes the popular houseplant Philodendron.
In nature Anubias species are found in wet, forested areas, generally along the banks of waterways. These shady locations gave rise to the name given to this genus, which has been named after the god of the afterlife, Anubis. Today, Anubias are cultivated across the world, for use in aquariums and paludariums.
Anubias barteri has five recognized cultivated varieties, including: A. barteri var. angustifolia, A. barteri var. barteri, A. barteri var. caladiifolia, A. barteri var. glabra, and A. barteri var. nana. In addition to the A. barteri varieties, the other Anubias species are: A. afzelii, A. gigantea, A. gilletii, A. gracilis, A. hastifolia, A. heterophyllai, and A. pynaertii. The genus Anubias is part of the family of flowering plants known as the Araceae, which includes the popular houseplant Philodendron.
In nature Anubias species are found in wet, forested areas, generally along the banks of waterways. These shady locations gave rise to the name given to this genus, which has been named after the god of the afterlife, Anubis. Today, Anubias are cultivated across the world, for use in aquariums and paludariums.
Description:
Nana is the smallest of the Anubias barteri species, reaching a height of 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), with thick leaves that grow up to 2 ½ inches (6 cm) long and a little over 1 inch (3 cm) across. Diagonal lines run from the center vein to the outer edge of the bright green oval leaves. The underside of the leaf is a lighter green than the top and the veins are clearly visible. Almost indestructible, individual leaves can last for years.
Occasionally this plant will flower, either when fully submerged or when partially above the water line, such as when used in a paludarium. The flower is in the form of a creamy white spadix, similar to a cala lily. Like the leaves, the flowers will last a long time, often several months.
Like all Anubias species, Anubias barteri var. nana is an extremely hardy plant, which makes it popular for aquarium use, as well as in paludariums. The leaves are thick, dark green, and quite tough, almost to the point of being like leather. This makes them ideal for aquariums with species of fish that are known to nibble on or uproot plants. Even active Cichlids and plant-loving Silver Dollars aren’t able to destroy this plant.
Occasionally this plant will flower, either when fully submerged or when partially above the water line, such as when used in a paludarium. The flower is in the form of a creamy white spadix, similar to a cala lily. Like the leaves, the flowers will last a long time, often several months.
Like all Anubias species, Anubias barteri var. nana is an extremely hardy plant, which makes it popular for aquarium use, as well as in paludariums. The leaves are thick, dark green, and quite tough, almost to the point of being like leather. This makes them ideal for aquariums with species of fish that are known to nibble on or uproot plants. Even active Cichlids and plant-loving Silver Dollars aren’t able to destroy this plant.
Placement/Uses:
Anubias barteri var. nana are so attractive that they are often used as a centerpiece. They can be used as a mid-ground plant or foreground plant, and are often attached to driftwood or rocks. Because they actually prefer subdued lighting, they can be placed in shaded areas, which will keep them from growing algae, which can be a problem when placed in brightly light areas.
When placing Nanas the rhizome should not be buried beneath the substrate, as it will rot and die off. Use cotton thread or light fishing line when attaching to rocks or bogwood, and tie it loosely to avoid damaging the plant. The plant will creep horizontally in a single direction, growing quite slowly. Small fish will find this plant makes great a hiding place.
When placing Nanas the rhizome should not be buried beneath the substrate, as it will rot and die off. Use cotton thread or light fishing line when attaching to rocks or bogwood, and tie it loosely to avoid damaging the plant. The plant will creep horizontally in a single direction, growing quite slowly. Small fish will find this plant makes great a hiding place.
Care:
In general Nana prefers moderate to low lighting conditions. If placed under high lighting conditions the leaves will grow faster, but will be more compact and susceptible to algae growth, particularly beard algae. In these situations, keeping algae eating fish, such as Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE) or Otocinlus will help pre-emptively deal with algae growth. Fertilization is not necessary, nor is the use of CO2, however additional CO2 will promote faster growth.
As previously mentioned, the rhizome and roots should not be buried in the substrate. Instead, they should be placed on top of the gravel or loosely attached to rocks or driftwood. To trim Anubias barteri var. nana, use a sharp knife or scissors and cut a section of rhizome that contains at least a couple of leaves. The trimmed portion can be used to start a new plant.
As previously mentioned, the rhizome and roots should not be buried in the substrate. Instead, they should be placed on top of the gravel or loosely attached to rocks or driftwood. To trim Anubias barteri var. nana, use a sharp knife or scissors and cut a section of rhizome that contains at least a couple of leaves. The trimmed portion can be used to start a new plant.
Growth/Propagation:
All Anubias species are notoriously slow growers, the leaves coming forth from a rhizome. Nana is no exception, often only producing one leaf in a months’ time. Mature rhizomes can be cut from the parent plant and either divided along the dormant buds, or the entire rhizome can be placed in water and divided once small plantlets have formed.
It is also possible to cultivate Anubias from seeds, although I have not do so myself and have no details on the process used. Contrary to what was thought for years, this plant does respond to the use of CO2 and additional lighting, growing at a faster rate than without. However, care must be taken when using high lighting conditions, as the additional light can promote algae growth on the leaves, which is hard to combat.
It is also possible to cultivate Anubias from seeds, although I have not do so myself and have no details on the process used. Contrary to what was thought for years, this plant does respond to the use of CO2 and additional lighting, growing at a faster rate than without. However, care must be taken when using high lighting conditions, as the additional light can promote algae growth on the leaves, which is hard to combat.
