Description
Anubias barteri var. nana is a small Anubias barteri variety from Cameroon, long known in the aquarium hobby as robust, undemanding epiphytic plant for the hardscape (driftwood, rock). It grows under very low light (0.25 watts per litre and less) as well as under strong lights (1 watts per litre and more). It doesn't need the addition of CO2, however, it can be beneficial for growth nonetheless. It can also be planted into the substrate (do not cover the rhizome!).
Anubias barteri var. nana originates from Cameroun, where it is found in shallow zones of forest rivers with a strong current. There is hardly any information about these locations, though. Tropica was the first to cultivate this dwarf variety in 1970 and brought it into the hobby. Anubias barteri var. nana is one of the most widely spread aquarium plants in Europe, Asia and the US. This plant is almost indestructible in an aquarium, and is thus often called a "growing plastic plant". The plant itself consists of a creeping rhizom from which leaves grow that may last several years. Anubias barteri var. nana is not finicky regarding light intensity and even grows under very low light (0.25 watt per litre and below) as well as under strong light (1 watt per litre and over). It grows with or without the addition of CO2, however, a carbon dioxide fertilisation may be beneficial to its growth, as well as fertilisation via the substrate or a nutrient-rich substrate as well as the removal of old leaves. High levels of phosphate (1.5-2 mg/L) seem to induce flowering independently of the other parameters in the tank or the health status of the plant. High phosphate levels in combination with a good iron and micronutrient supply reduce problems with spot algae under strong light.
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
Small-leaved epiphyte
Robust, hard leaves
Very undemanding
Suitable for every aquarium
Complete Botanical Name
Anúbias bárteri var. nána (Engler) Crusio
Family
Araceae
Genus
Anubias
Category
Middle Ground
Difficulty
very easy
Growth
slow
Carbon Dioxide
need
pH Value
5-8
Temperature Tolerance
12-30℃
Carbonate Hardness
0-21 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Rhizomteilung, Splitting, Cutting off daughter plants
Can Grow Emersed?
yes
Height
5-10 cm
Width
5-20 cm
Colour
light green, medium green, dark green
