Anubias Nana Peacock
Plant Profile
Aquascapers seeking dense fanned foliage among Anubias aquarium plants will find a standout accent in Anubias Nana Peacock. Offering an elegant architectural twist on classic Anubias Nana, this variant is celebrated for its lush, deep green leaves that radiate outward on compact, short petioles to mimic an open peacock tail. Reaching a manageable 3 to 5 inches in height, this aquatic epiphyte attaches its rhizome directly to driftwood or rockwork rather than being buried in substrate. Extremely resilient in low-tech setups, it's a great pick for filling empty hardscape crevices in the foreground or midground of planted aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums.
Key Features & Benefits
- Gracefully fanned leaf arrangement produces a full, rounded rosette effect that softens rigid hardscape junctions.
- Thick foliage deters grazing from herbivorous cichlids, goldfish, snails, and active dwarf shrimp.
- Thrives in low-light environments, maintaining rich deep green coloration without specialized equipment.
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.
- Maintain stable water conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce initial leaf loss.
- Avoid intense direct light and ensure steady water flow to prevent slow-growing leaves from collecting spot algae.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth speed, leaf thickness, and foliage 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 'Peacock' |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Nana Peacock, Anubias Peacock |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Accent, Hardscape Crevices, Midground Focal Point |
| Height / Size | 3 – 5 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow (1 leaf every 2-3 weeks) |
| 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 / Cultivar |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Anubias Nana Peacock differ from standard Anubias Nana?
While standard Anubias Nana features an upright, staggered creeping growth habit along the rhizome, Anubias Nana Peacock develops tightly grouped petioles that fan outward symmetrically in a rosette-like display. This distinctive fanned arrangement gives it a denser, bushier presence in hardscape crevices.
2. Where is the best placement for Anubias Nana Peacock in an aquarium?
Because it reaches 3 to 5 inches in height with a broad, radiating spread, it excels as a midground focal point in medium-to-large aquascapes or as a bold foreground anchor in nano tanks. Wedge it directly into rock fissures or driftwood crotches where its fanned canopy softens abrupt hardscape lines.
3. Can Anubias Nana Peacock be grown emersed in high-humidity setups?
Yes. Anubias Nana Peacock adapts exceptionally well to emersed growth in humid terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. Keep ambient humidity levels consistently above 70% and mist the foliage periodically to prevent the broad leaf blades from drying out.