Evergreen Anubias Barteri Var Nana: Propagation and Care Tips

Anubias Barteri var nana has earned fame as the number one low-tech aquarium plant for beginner hobbyists thanks to its resilient nature and graceful charm. Let’s uncover why the “common” nana truly shines brightest and how to keep your specimen flourishing for years on end!

Anubias Barteri Var Nana

Among numerous cultivars of Anubias barteri appearing almost identical to amateur eyes, the Anubias barteri var. nana has emerged as the short but strong standard bearer aquatic keepers across the hobby spectrum turn toward first when dreaming of lush aquatic foliage minus the intensive demands. Here’s why nana earned hall-of-aquascape fame:

Forgiving Growth Needs

While adaptable across most metrics from suitable substrates and pH ranges to temperature and tank positioning versatility, nana anubias truly shines by thriving at lower ambient household illumination levels intolerable to more demanding rare imported species. They happily produce leaf clusters under almost any common lighting sources given adequate hydration access.

Graceful Midsize Structure

Though larger cousins like Anubias barteri, Anubias barteri var. ‘Angustifolia’, and Anubias gigantea may dominate focal points towering at over 12 inches high, the petite stature of just under six inches for nana specimens brings welcome pops of greenery without overwhelming small and medium tank dimensions. Their presence adds life without engulfing the ensemble.

Vibrant Evergreen Coloring

Nana’s deep green and whitish-green variegated hues inject brilliant yet soothing coloration into aquascape arrangements while avoiding the harshness pure emerald tones carry in mass clusters. The mix of green shades gives depth and soothing balance.

For such small plants, Anubias barteri var. nana provides outsized aesthetics. Next let’s explore ideal caretaking steps to keep your nana specimen flourishing for years on end as an aquascape anchor.

Cultivating Robust Anubias Nana for Any Aquarium Type

Thanks to its African river origins, this variety demonstrates incredible adaptation potential across most home aquarium environments beyond expected water parameters. Follow these simple nana care guidelines for success:

Suitable Lighting Conditions

While tolerant of darker positions, optimal expansion and color occurs at moderate .5 to 2 watts fluorescent or LED illumination per gallon. Nana lasts for long durations under low light but thrive under 60-100 PAR values from 6000-7000K high LED arrays. Avoid intense direct light exceeding 100 PAR long term to prevent foliar burns. Nana grows spectacularly positioned anywhere receiving ambient room light reaching tank bottoms to simulate shoreline forest canopies they thrive under in the Congo Basin when provided at least 8 hours daily.

Ideal Water Conditions

Allow pH between 6-7.5, although wild shifts elicit some adaptation stresses and should be avoided once set if housing sensitive species. Ideal hardness ranges between 4-12 KH, tolerated up to 20 KH at high pH. Standard tropical temperatures spanning 72-80° F suit nana perfectly. Flow should avoid battering rhizomes yet provide adequate circulation for gas exchange.

Substrate Versatility

Nana plants anchor equally well with a portion of lower stem and roots buried into fine gravel or sand approximately 1 inch deep. Just take care no soil or detritus contacts the horizontal connecting rhizome to prevent rot. Anchoring to hardscape like stone and driftwood avoids substrate entirely.

Fertilizer Types & Frequency

While low dose water column nitrogen and iron prove beneficial, nana largely draws sustenance straight from surrounding water when kept fresh with 20% monthly changes minimum. Add root tabs for substrate specimens every 2-3 months and foliar macro/micronutrient sprays targeting leaves monthly for accelerated flourishing albeit unnecessary for basic health.

Table 1. Minimum Anubias Nana Growth Conditions

Advanced Propagation Methods Employ these techniques announcing robust maturity capable of generating new nana plants long term:

Subdivision Propagation

Repeat slicing rhizomes into bunches of 3-5 leaf stems including some root mass to multiply specimen plants quickly without sacrificing mature plant size over years.

Emersed Transforming Allow shoots reaching over tank edges to remain exposed to open air over 70% humidity. Growth accelerates dramatically. Submerge transformed foliage slowly over 2 weeks to avoid shock.

Inflorescence Pollination If flowering occurs, manually transport pollen between spathes using a paintbrush to generate rare aerial seeds. Stratify, sprout in high humidity, and submerge seedlings once displaying 3 leaves.

Troubleshooting Common Anubias Nana Issues Table 2. Common Nana Problems and Quick Fixes

FAQs

See below for answers regarding frequently asked Anubias barteri care questions:

Is specialty aquarium soil required for nana plants?

No. Plain gravel works well provided no debris fully encapsulates the rhizome leading to rot. Liquid water column fertilization prevents nutrient deficiencies.

Can I trim old leaves to encourage new nana growth?

Yes. Removing tattered lowest leaves prompts upward rhizomal expansion toward light. But limit trimming overall to avoid taxing resources and shock reactions.

What causes sudden nana leaf loss or melt scenarios?

Drastic water parameter changes like pH, temperature, hardness shifts due to water changes typically trigger leaf structure absorption and abscission as adaptation response even in otherwise healthy plants. Minimize extremes through gradual acclimation instead especially regarding ammonia presence, chlorines, light intensity and filtration adjustments.

Conclusion

For its graceful structure and resilient adaptation power across diverse home aquarium types from nano cubes to heavily planted display tanks, Anubias barteri var. nana remains the quintessential foreground aquascaping plant even novice keepers can cultivate with ease given adherence to several nondemanding caretaking steps detailed above. Soon this petite green delight will anchor your tanks for years on end!