Anubias var. nana — Aquarium & Terrarium Care Sheet
 
Anubias nana is one of the easiest and toughest aquatic plants available. It is slow-growing, extremely tolerant of different conditions, and an excellent choice for both aquariums and humid terrariums.
 
🌿 AQUARIUM CARE
Light: Low to moderate
Anubias does not require strong lighting. In fact, excessive light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.
Water: Freshwater
It tolerates a wide range of water parameters and does well in most community aquariums.
Temperature: Approximately 20–30°C
It can tolerate temperatures outside this range for shorter periods, but stable conditions are preferable.
CO₂: Not required
CO₂ supplementation can improve growth, but Anubias nana grows perfectly well without it.
Fertiliser: Light supplementation
Anubias absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column. A suitable aquarium fertiliser can be added according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 
⚠️ IMPORTANT — DO NOT BURY THE RHIZOME
The thick horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow is the rhizome.
Never bury the rhizome in gravel or soil. It can rot.
Instead, attach the plant to rocks, wood or other aquarium décor. The roots will eventually attach themselves naturally.
 
Anubias can also simply be wedged between décor, provided the rhizome remains exposed.
 
🌱 TERRARIUM CARE
Anubias nana can also be grown emersed, making it useful for humid terrariums, paludariums and ripariums.
Light: Bright, indirect light to moderate artificial lighting
Avoid intense direct sunlight through glass, which can cause overheating.
Humidity: High humidity is preferred
Aim for consistently humid conditions, particularly while establishing newly converted plants.
Growing medium: Moist but well-drained
Use an airy substrate that retains moisture without becoming stagnant.
Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist, but avoid permanently waterlogged conditions around the rhizome.
The plant can be planted with its roots in the substrate while keeping the rhizome above the surface.
 
🌿 GROWTH & PROPAGATION
Anubias nana is naturally slow-growing. Do not expect rapid growth like stem plants or many terrestrial plants.
It can be propagated by dividing the rhizome. Simply cut the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section has several healthy leaves and growing points.
Patience is the secret: slow growth also means less maintenance and fewer problems.
 
🚫 COMMON MISTAKES
❌ Burying the rhizome
❌ Excessive lighting
❌ Allowing the rhizome to remain buried in stagnant substrate
❌ Expecting rapid growth
❌ Over-fertilising
 
⭐ EASY PLANT RATING: 10/10
If you want a plant that can tolerate beginners, inconsistent conditions and a bit of neglect, Anubias nana is difficult to beat.
Give it reasonable light, clean water and don't bury the rhizome — and it will usually take care of itself.