Anubias Nana Tropica
Plant Profile
Delivering a classic, glossy profile for any aquascape, Anubias Nana Tropica is a widely popular dwarf epiphyte featuring rich, dark green, elliptical leaves. Reaching a compact height of 3 to 5 inches, its clean foliage serves as a reliable midground accent or nano centerpiece. It grows slowly under low light, tolerates a wide range of water parameters, and transitions effortlessly between fully submerged aquariums and humid emersed terrariums. If you are new to planted tanks and want a foolproof way to get your feet wet, this incredibly forgiving beginner plant is here to help you succeed on your first try.
Key Features & Benefits
- Glossy, dark green elliptical foliage provides a timeless aesthetic that scales easily for nano tanks and large layouts alike.
- Exceptionally forgiving growth habit adapts effortlessly to diverse water parameters, making it an ideal choice for beginner hobbyists.
- Durable foliage naturally resists grazing from fish, snails, and 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 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.
- COâ‚‚ 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 'Tropica' |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Nana Tropica, Anubias Tropica |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground, Midground |
| Height / Size | 3-5 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 Tropica?
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 is a classic low-light plant that thrives without specialized CO2 equipment. While added CO2 will speed up growth and foliage density, it thrives happily in low-tech aquariums.
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.