Anubias Nana Golden

Anubias nana 'Golden' is a yellowish-leaved form of the well-known Anubias nana, selected in aquarium cultivation. Its growth habit, size and hardiness are the same as nana's: it stays at 5–10 cm, and its leaves are small, oval or heart-shaped and thick. The difference is in the color: new leaves open lemon yellow and turn light green as they age. For this reason the plant looks best in front of dark green-leaved plants and dark-colored rocks.

Because its leaves are tough, most plant-nibbling fish leave it alone. It is ideal as a small color accent in nano tanks, shrimp tanks and rock-heavy layouts.

Never bury the rhizome (the thick stem from which the leaves grow) in the substrate; a buried rhizome rots.

• Tie it to rock or wood with fishing line or cotton thread; the roots take hold in a few weeks.
• You can also fix it at a few points with cyanoacrylate gel glue.
• Place it in the foreground or midground next to dark substrate and rocks so its color stands out.

• Light: medium. In very low light the leaves turn ordinary green; in very strong light they collect algae. A semi-shaded spot, not directly under the light, is best.
• CO₂: not required.
• Fertilizer: liquid fertilizer is enough. With an iron or nitrogen deficiency the leaves turn a dull, faded yellow; do not confuse this with the natural color of the form. Healthy leaves look glossy and vivid.
• Trimming: cut only old and algae-covered leaves at the base.

Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors so that each piece keeps at least 3 leaves, and tie the pieces in separate places. The color trait is retained in the divided pieces. Since it grows very slowly, no more than a few pieces a year can be expected.

• Rhizome rot: the rhizome has been buried; cut away the rotting part and reattach the plant.
• Green spot algae: too much light and low phosphate. Reduce the light; nerite snails help.
• Color turning green: not enough light; move the plant to a brighter spot that is not directly under the light.