Anubias Nana Thick Leaf
Plant Profile
If your tank boasts an unruly crowd of plant-chomping cichlids or energetic bottom-dwellers, Anubias Nana Thick Leaf is built to survive the chaos! This dwarf variation takes the classic charm of Anubias Nana and equips it with extra-dense, leathery, rounded leaves with subtly rippled edges. Standing at a neat 1.5 to 4 inches tall, this micro-heavyweight is the foreground accent for bare-bottom tanks, rocky African cichlid scapes, and lush planted aquariums alike. Indestructible, forgiving, and wildly versatile, it thrives whether submerged underwater or emersed in high-humidity paludarium setups.
Key Features & Benefits
- Extra-thick, waxy leaves provide maximum durability, standing up to active, aggressive, or plant-nibbling tank mates.
- Compact dwarf footprint with rounded, wavy foliage makes it an ideal scale-building foreground accent.
- Extremely adaptable and forgiving across an incredibly wide pH range.
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 rhizome above substrate to prevent rot.
- Maintain stable conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce leaf loss.
- Avoid intense light and ensure good water flow to prevent spot algae on slow‑growing leaves.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth and leaf density.
- 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 |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Nana Thick Leaf |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground, Nano Hardscape, Midground Crevices |
| Height / Size | 1.5-4 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Separate by Rhizome Division |
| Origin | West Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Anubias Nana Thick Leaf?
Attach the plant directly to driftwood or rocks using aquarium-safe super glue gel, thread, or fishing line. Keep the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot.
2. Does it require CO2 or high lighting?
No. It thrives in low lighting without CO2 injection. While adding CO2 speeds up growth, it is completely optional.
3. Is this plant safe for shrimp, snails, and fish?
Yes, Anubias is 100% safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp (including sensitive Caridina and Neocaridina), and snails. Its tough leaves are also resistant to plant-eating fish like cichlids or goldfish.