Anubias Nana Pinto
Plant Profile
A rare, marbled cultivar among Anubias aquarium plants, Anubias Nana Pinto brings striking white-and-green variegated contrast! Selected through generations of careful cultivation from classic Anubias Nana, this sought-after Anubias features an icy mosaic of cream and forest green splashed across every leaf. This dwarf epiphyte attaches its rhizome directly to driftwood or stone rather than being buried in substrate, delivering high-contrast illumination against dark lava rock, driftwood roots, and deep green mosses in aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums.
Key Features & Benefits
- Marbled white-and-green variegated foliage displays a unique, high-contrast pattern.
- Compact dwarf footprint under 4 inches makes it one of the premier nano aquarium plants for tight hardscape crevices and desktop layouts.
- Thick leaves deters nibbling from herbivorous cichlids, goldfish, snails, and active dwarf shrimp.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Attach to hardscape using aquarium‑safe glue or thread; keep the horizontal rhizome completely exposed above substrate to prevent rot.
- Provide clean, medium lighting alongside balanced micro/macro dosing; white leaf tissue lacks heavy chlorophyll and requires adequate light to prevent melting.
- Maintain stable water parameters and balanced flow to avoid sudden acclimation melt or spot algae accumulation on slow-growing leaves.
- CO₂ injection is recommended to support steady metabolic rates, accelerate growth, and preserve crisp white marbling.
- Learn more about planting these species by reading our guide on How to Plant Epiphyte Aquatic Plants.
- Master long-term care and propagation with the article All About Anubias Aquarium Plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto' |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Nana Pinto, Pinto Anubias |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome / Variegated Nano Dwarf) |
| Care Difficulty | Moderate (Requires Moderate Light to Prevent Melting) |
| Light Requirement | Medium (Avoid Dim Lighting) |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Supports Variegated Foliage Health) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Accent, Hardscape Crevices, Midground Focal Point |
| Height / Size | 2 – 4 inches |
| Growth Rate | Very Slow (1 leaf every 3-4 weeks) |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Separate by Rhizome Division |
| Origin | Cultivar Selection |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the white patches on my Anubias Nana Pinto turning translucent or melting?
The white sections of Anubias Pinto leaves contain little to no chlorophyll, making them sensitive to light deprivation and nutrient swings. If kept in deep shade or ultra-low light, the plant cannot photosynthesize enough energy, leading to localized melting.
2. Can Anubias Nana Pinto revert to completely green leaves?
While Anubias Pinto is a relatively stable genetic cultivar, prolonged exposure to insufficient lighting or poor nutrient levels can cause new growth to produce higher chlorophyll concentrations (becoming solid green) as an adaptation for survival. Maintaining medium lighting and optional CO₂ encourages each new leaf to retain its marbled white-and-green mosaic.
3. Where is the best placement for Anubias Nana Pinto in a planted tank?
Because it reaches only 2 to 4 inches tall, Anubias Pinto belongs in the foreground or low midground. Secure it directly into crevices of hardscape, leaving the rhizome exposed.