Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana)

Description

Anubias Nana for Sale — The Most Popular Aquarium Plant in the Freshwater Hobby

If you’ve been searching for Anubias Nana for sale, Quinn’s Fins grows Anubias barteri var. nana right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse. Anubias Nana is the single most popular and widely kept aquarium plant in the freshwater hobby — and it has held that distinction for decades for very good reason. This compact, typically 2–6 inch tall plant tolerates low to moderate light and may even produce small white flowers underwater in stable conditions. It grows as an epiphyte — attaching its rhizome to driftwood, rocks, and hardscape rather than rooting in substrate — and absorbs nutrients mostly through its leaves rather than roots, meaning no CO2, no root tabs, and no nutrient-rich substrate are required. Compatible with every freshwater fish and invertebrate from African cichlids to shrimp, adaptable to virtually any water chemistry, and genuinely beautiful in any aquascape style from natural Dutch layouts to heavily stocked community tanks. Anubias Nana for sale at Quinn’s Fins is available in two formats — a 2″ pot (SKU 692-1, $12.74) and bare root (SKU 692-2, $8.74) — both nursery-grown and ready to place in your aquarium.

Why Anubias Nana for Sale Has Been the Hobby’s Most Popular Plant for Decades

Anubias Nana’s enduring popularity is not a trend — it is the result of a plant that genuinely delivers on every practical and aesthetic front simultaneously, for aquarists at every skill level.

• Compact 2–6″ height — perfect foreground to midground scale for any tank from 5 gallons to large display aquariums
• Rounded dark green leaves on a spreading low rosette — classic, lush, timeless aquascape presence
• Epiphytic — attaches to driftwood, rocks, and hardscape without substrate planting
• Low light tolerant — thrives with standard aquarium lighting; no high-output equipment needed
• No CO2 required — absorbs nutrients through leaves; one of the least demanding aquarium plants available
• Compatible with cichlids, goldfish, and rough fish — thick leathery leaves resist damage effectively
• Shrimp and invertebrate safe — leaf surfaces provide excellent grazing and resting habitat
• May produce small white flowers underwater — a delightful and surprisingly common bonus in established tanks

Growing Anubias Nana — Care at a Glance

Never Bury the Rhizome

Never bury the rhizome — the thick horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots emerge — in substrate. A buried rhizome will rot and kill the plant. Anubias plants naturally grow on rocky riverbanks and use their strong root systems to anchor firmly to hard surfaces — their roots are not adapted to growing in dense soil. Always keep the rhizome fully exposed on the surface of hardscape. Attach to driftwood, rocks, or decorations using fishing line, cotton thread, or aquarium-safe super glue gel.

Light

Anubias Nana thrives in low to moderate lighting — standard aquarium lights are all that is needed. Aim to provide 6–8 hours of direct light each day. Avoid placing directly under intense, high-output lighting without CO2 supplementation — slow-growing leaves are susceptible to algae colonization under excessive light. Position under floating plants, taller stem plants, or in the natural shadow of hardscape for optimal results.

The Anubias Bonsai Effect

One popular and creative way to use Anubias Nana is in the form of an “Anubias bonsai” — if you find the right piece of driftwood, attach the plant on top so it looks like leaves on a miniature tree. Over time, with careful pruning, you can create a fantastic, eye-catching aquarium centerpiece. This effect is unique to Anubias Nana’s compact size and low-spreading growth habit.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5 — also tolerates slightly higher pH in African cichlid setups
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard — extremely adaptable
• Flow: Low to moderate

CO2 & Fertilization

CO2 injection is not required, nor is it necessary to dose liquid nutrients or use root tabs — Anubias Nana absorbs nutrients mostly through its leaves. In established fish tanks, the bioload provides more than sufficient nutrients for steady growth. Optional liquid fertilizer with iron and micronutrients improves leaf color and speeds new leaf production in low-bioload setups.

Slow Growth — A Feature, Not a Bug

Anubias Nana grows slowly, with leaves surviving for several years — giving it remarkable long-term visual consistency. One new leaf every 3–4 weeks is entirely normal. This slow growth means the plant requires virtually no trimming, remains visually stable for extended periods, and can persist as a beautiful aquarium feature for many years. Do not judge the plant’s health by its growth rate — a slow Anubias is almost always a healthy Anubias.

Underwater Flowering

Anubias can bloom underwater and actually does so quite regularly in stable, established conditions. The small white spathe flowers are a delightful bonus — appearing on a short stalk above the leaves and lasting several weeks before fading. Their appearance is a reliable signal that the tank conditions are stable and the plant is thriving.

Propagation

Propagate Anubias Nana by dividing the rhizome — use sharp, clean scissors or a blade to cut the rhizome into sections, each with at least 3–4 leaves and a section of roots. Attach divisions to new hardscape using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe super glue gel. Roots will anchor naturally within several weeks.

Two Ways to Buy Anubias Nana for Sale at Quinn’s Fins

Anubias Nana for sale at Quinn’s Fins is available in two formats:

• 2″ Pot (SKU 692-1) — $12.74: Nursery-grown in a 2″ pot with established root structure. Remove the plant and all growing media — including any rockwool or cotton — before placing in the aquarium. Never put the pot or media in the tank. Attach the rhizome to your chosen hardscape after removal. Rinse thoroughly.
• Bare Root (SKU 692-2) — $8.74: A healthy rhizome with dark green rounded leaves and roots, shipped without substrate. Attach directly to your own driftwood or hardscape. Rinse thoroughly before placing in the aquarium.

Nursery-Grown at Quinn’s Fins

Every Anubias Nana for sale at Quinn’s Fins is grown right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse — not drop-shipped or bulk-sourced. We grow what we sell.

For more on growing Anubias Nana in planted aquariums, visit the Buce Plant Anubias Nana care page or browse our full selection of aquatic plants at Quinn’s Fins.

Anubias Nana Plant Details