Anubias barteri var. nana

Dwarf Anubias, Anubias Nana

Easy careSemi-aquaticMildly toxic5–15 cm

Native to the fast-flowing rocky streams and shaded rivulets of West and Central Africa, where it anchors to boulders and submerged logs with a thick, creeping rhizome — a horizontal stem that doubles as the plant's anchor and energy reserve. The broad, dark green leaves emerge one at a time, making growth noticeably slow but reliable. In a terrarium it does best mounted on wood or rock in consistently moist conditions; burying the rhizome in substrate causes rot. Over time, stable conditions may prompt small white spathe flowers.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Dwarf Anubias image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 20–28 °C, and reaches 15 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

20°C30°C40°C
20°C – 28°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Rocky

Moisture

Moist(preferred)Wet

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Propagation

Cut the rhizome with clean scissors or a sharp blade, ensuring each section retains at least three healthy leaves. Secure the pieces to wood or rock — never bury the rhizome — and they will attach and resume growing over a few weeks.

Native range

Native to West Tropical Africa and West-Central Tropical Africa.

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

Glossy

Frequently asked

Can Dwarf Anubias grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Dwarf Anubias prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Dwarf Anubias need drainage?

Dwarf Anubias prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Dwarf Anubias need?

Dwarf Anubias does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Dwarf Anubias pet-safe?

Dwarf Anubias is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Dwarf Anubias grow?

Dwarf Anubias typically reaches 5–15 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Dwarf Anubias?

Dwarf Anubias can be propagated by rhizome division.

References

  1. 1

    Kew POWO — Anubias barteri var. nana (Engl.) Crusio

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:874395-1
  2. 2

    Kew POWO — Anubias barteri Schott (accepted species)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:85520-1
  3. 3

    Terrarium Tribe — How to Grow Dwarf Anubias in Terrariums

    https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/anubius-barteri-nana/
  4. 4

    Fishkeeping World — Anubias Nana Full Care Guide

    https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/anubias-nana/
  5. 5

    Aqua-Fish.net — Anubias Nana Care Guide

    https://en.aqua-fish.net/plants/anubias-barteri-nana
  6. 6