Dwarf Anubias

Anubias barteri var. nana is the dwarf form of a plant the hobby treats as close to indestructible, and Flowgrow documents it on its own species page, so this profile follows the published data rather than general care advice. Its thick, dark green leaves are about the size of a small coin, growing from a creeping rhizome that must never be buried; a rhizome planted into substrate rots, which is the most common way keepers lose an otherwise bulletproof plant.

The Flowgrow page lists the species as very easy, with growth rated slow, a temperature optimum of 22 to 26 °C, a pH range of 5 to 8, carbonate hardness from soft up to about 21 dKH, and carbon dioxide needs that are met with or without injection. Light can range from low to fairly bright, which is why the plant thrives in low-tech tanks where faster species stall, yet also colours acceptably under stronger light. Because it tolerates such a wide range of water parameters and grows slowly, an attached specimen holds its shape for months without attention.

Propagation is by rhizome division: cut the rhizome between leaf nodes and each section grows into a separate plant. Attach it to hardscape with superglue or fishing line until the roots anchor naturally. That slow pace is also why an attached specimen needs no regular replanting, making it a staple of natural-style aquascapes and shrimp tanks alike.