Dwarf anubias (Anubias barteri var. nana) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Anubias nana, Anubias barteri 'Nana', Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite', Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto', Anubias barteri var. nana 'Kirin', Anubias barteri 'Mini Coin'
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Cameroon, West Africa
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (estimate)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light; CO2 not needed

Care

Anubias barteri var. nana (family Araceae) is the small Anubias from Cameroon and one of the most widely kept aquarium plants. Tropica describes it as thriving in almost all conditions, growing slowly to 5–10 cm with a rhizome 10–15 cm or more. It is best attached to stone or wood; tie it with fishing line or cotton until the roots grip. Do not bury the rhizome, which rots; tie or glue it to wood or rock, or plant it with only the roots in the substrate. It tolerates shade where other plants fail, and often flowers underwater. Because each leaf lives for years, slow-growing algae can settle on them, so avoid strong light directly over it. Tropica rates it easy. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Tropica also sells cultivars: 'Petite' (very small), 'Kirin', 'Pinto' (white-marbled leaves), 'Large', 'Mini Coin' and 'Coin Leaf'. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Divide the rhizome with a clean blade, leaving several leaves on each piece, and attach or plant the pieces as before. New side shoots also form on older rhizomes. Can be grown from seed, but this is rarely done.

Compatibility and tank mates

Tough, bitter leaves are left alone by almost all fish, including goldfish, large cichlids and plant-eaters, which makes Anubias one of the safest choices for such tanks. Safe with shrimp and snails. Tropical.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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