Anubias Nana Coin Care – A Guide To Lush, Algae-Free Growth

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever seen a planted aquarium that looks effortlessly green and lush, and wondered how they do it? You might be looking for a plant that adds a unique touch without demanding all your time and attention. Maybe you’ve even tried other plants, only to have them melt away or get covered in algae.

I get it. Creating that perfect underwater garden can feel daunting. But I’m here to promise you that there’s a nearly indestructible gem that can become the cornerstone of your aquascape: Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Coin’, also known as ‘Round Leaf’.

This complete guide is designed to give you all the confidence and knowledge you need. We’re going to dive deep into the secrets of successful anubias nana coin care, from the single most important planting rule to keeping its beautiful round leaves spotless and vibrant. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to growing this incredible plant with ease.

Let’s get started!

What Makes Anubias Nana ‘Coin’ a True Aquascaping Gem?

Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” What makes this specific Anubias variety so sought after? Unlike the more common spear-shaped leaves of other Anubias, the ‘Coin’ or ‘Round Leaf’ variety boasts stunning, circular leaves that create a soft, almost whimsical look in the aquarium.

It’s a slow-growing epiphyte, which is a fancy way of saying it grows attached to things like driftwood or rocks rather than in the substrate. This trait is central to its care, which we’ll cover in a moment. Originating from West Africa, its tough, leathery leaves make it incredibly resilient.

Exploring the benefits of anubias nana coin care shows why it’s a favorite:

  • Incredibly Hardy: It’s perfect for beginners! This plant tolerates a wide range of water conditions and is very forgiving of mistakes.
  • Low Light Tolerant: You don’t need a high-tech, super-bright lighting system to make this plant thrive. It actually prefers shadier spots.
  • Fish-Proof Leaves: Its tough, slightly bitter leaves mean that most herbivorous fish, like many cichlids and even goldfish, will leave it alone.
  • Versatile Placement: Because it attaches to hardscape, you can place it anywhere in the tank—low in the foreground, tucked into a crevice in the midground, or even higher up on a piece of driftwood.

The Golden Rule: How to Plant Anubias Nana Coin Correctly

If you take only one thing away from this entire guide, let it be this: Do NOT bury the rhizome! This is the single most common mistake beginners make, and it’s a fatal one for the plant. Understanding this is fundamental to how to anubias nana coin care.

Understanding the Rhizome: The Plant’s Lifeline

The rhizome is the thick, horizontal green stem from which the leaves and roots grow. Think of it as the plant’s central nervous system and nutrient highway. It needs to be exposed to the water column to breathe and absorb nutrients. Burying it in gravel or sand will cause it to suffocate and rot, killing the entire plant from the base up.

The thin, stringy roots that grow downwards from the rhizome are there to anchor the plant, not to absorb the bulk of its nutrients like a typical stem plant. These roots can go into the substrate, but the rhizome must stay above it.

Best Planting Methods: Attaching to Hardscape

The best way to plant your Anubias Nana Coin is to attach it to a piece of driftwood, a rock, or even a decoration. Here are two tried-and-true methods:

  1. The Super Glue Method (My Favorite):

    Don’t worry, this is completely aquarium-safe! Just make sure you use a gel-type super glue containing cyanoacrylate. Take the plant and the hardscape out of the water, pat them both dry, apply a small dab of glue to the rock or wood, and press a small part of the rhizome onto it. Hold for 30-60 seconds, and you’re done! You can place it back in the tank immediately.

  2. The Tying Method:

    This is a more traditional method. Use a dark-colored cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe zip tie to gently secure the rhizome to your hardscape. Don’t tie it too tightly, as this can damage the rhizome. Over several months, the plant’s roots will grow and grip the surface on their own. Once it’s secure, you can carefully cut and remove the thread.

The Ultimate Anubias Nana Coin Care Guide: Tank Parameters

Now that your plant is securely in place, let’s create the perfect environment for it to thrive. The good news is, its needs are simple. Following these anubias nana coin care best practices will ensure healthy, long-term growth.

Lighting: Less is Definitely More

This is where many aquarists go wrong. Anubias are slow-growing plants from shaded riverbanks. They do not appreciate intense, direct light. In fact, high light is their number one enemy because it encourages algae to grow on their slow-growing leaves faster than the plant can defend itself.

Aim for low to moderate lighting. If you have a powerful light, place the Anubias in a shaded area, perhaps under a larger plant or a piece of driftwood. A light duration of 6-8 hours per day is more than enough.

Water Parameters & Temperature

Anubias Nana Coin is wonderfully adaptable. It’s not fussy at all, which is another reason it’s such a great plant for any aquarist.

  • Temperature: It thrives in a range of 72-82°F (22-28°C), making it compatible with most tropical fish.
  • pH: A stable pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
  • Water Hardness: It’s not picky, tolerating both soft and hard water (GH between 2-15 dGH).

The most important thing is stability. Avoid sudden, drastic changes to your water parameters.

Fertilization & CO2: Necessary or Optional?

Because it’s a slow grower, Anubias Nana Coin is a very light feeder. It gets most of what it needs from fish waste and decaying organic matter in the water.

That said, it will appreciate a little boost. A good quality, comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week will provide essential micronutrients like iron and potassium, helping to keep its leaves a deep, rich green. There’s no need for nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, as it doesn’t feed through its roots.

What about CO2? CO2 injection is completely optional. It will grow perfectly fine in a low-tech setup without any added CO2. If you do run CO2 for other plants in the tank, the Anubias will benefit with slightly more robust growth, but it’s by no means a requirement.

Common Problems with Anubias Nana Coin Care (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the hardiest plants can run into trouble. Don’t worry—most issues are easy to diagnose and fix. Here are some of the most common problems with anubias nana coin care.

The Dreaded Algae (Especially Black Beard and Green Spot)

Because its leaves grow so slowly, they provide a perfect, stable surface for algae to colonize. This is the most common issue you’ll face.

  • The Cause: Almost always too much light, an imbalance of nutrients, or low CO2 levels (in a high-tech tank).
  • The Fix:
    • Reduce your light intensity or duration. This is the #1 solution.
    • Ensure good water flow around the plant.
    • Manually remove what you can. For stubborn Green Spot Algae (GSA), you can gently scrub the leaves with a soft toothbrush during a water change.
    • Spot-treat stubborn algae like Black Beard Algae (BBA) by turning off your filter, drawing up some liquid carbon (like Seachem Excel) into a pipette, and applying it directly to the algae. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before turning the filter back on. The algae will turn red/pink and die off.
    • Introduce an algae-eating crew! Amano shrimp, Nerite snails, and Otocinclus catfish are all excellent at keeping Anubias leaves clean.

Yellowing Leaves: A Nutrient Deficiency

If you notice the leaves, especially new ones, turning a pale green or yellow, it’s often a sign that the plant is hungry.

  • The Cause: Typically an iron or nitrogen deficiency.
  • The Fix: Start dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains both macro and micronutrients. Within a few weeks, you should see new growth coming in much greener.

Rhizome Rot: The Silent Killer

This is the most serious issue, but it’s also 100% preventable.

  • The Cause: The rhizome was buried in the substrate or damaged.
  • The Fix: If you catch it early, you may be able to save the plant. Remove it from the tank and trim away any soft, mushy, or black parts of the rhizome with a sharp, clean blade. If there’s a healthy section with leaves remaining, you can re-attach it to your hardscape.

Propagation: How to Get More Anubias for Free!

One of the best parts of growing Anubias is how easy it is to propagate. As your plant grows, the rhizome will get longer and sprout more leaves. Once it’s large and healthy, you can create new plants.

  1. Identify a Cutting Point: Look for a spot on the rhizome that will allow you to create a new piece with at least 3-4 healthy leaves.
  2. Make the Cut: Using a sharp razor blade or scissors, make a clean cut through the rhizome.
  3. Re-attach: That’s it! You now have two separate plants. Simply attach the new piece to another rock or piece of driftwood using the methods we discussed earlier.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Anubias Nana Coin Care

Being a responsible aquarist also means thinking about the environmental impact of our hobby. Practicing sustainable anubias nana coin care is easy and beneficial for both you and the planet.

Consider purchasing tissue-cultured plants when possible. These are grown in a sterile lab environment, guaranteeing they are free from pests like snails, diseases, and algae. This is a great way to ensure you’re not introducing unwanted guests into your ecosystem.

Furthermore, embracing natural algae control methods, like balancing your lighting and using shrimp and snails, is a more eco-friendly anubias nana coin care approach than relying on chemical algaecides. Propagating and sharing your plants with fellow hobbyists also reduces the demand for wild-collected specimens and strengthens the community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Coin Care

Why are my Anubias Nana Coin leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves are most often a sign of a nutrient deficiency, usually iron or nitrogen. Start by dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. If only old leaves are yellowing and falling off very slowly, this can be a natural part of the plant’s life cycle.

Can I plant Anubias Nana Coin in the substrate?

No, you should never bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in the substrate. This will cause it to rot and kill the plant. Always attach it to driftwood or rocks, keeping the rhizome exposed to the water.

How fast does Anubias Nana Coin grow?

It is a very slow-growing plant. You might only see one new leaf every month or so. This slow growth is normal and is one reason it’s so susceptible to algae if the lighting is too high. Be patient!

Does Anubias Nana Coin need CO2?

No, CO2 is not necessary. It grows perfectly well in low-tech aquariums without any supplemental CO2. Adding CO2 will result in slightly faster and more robust growth, but it is entirely optional.

What fish are safe with Anubias Nana Coin?

Almost all of them! The leaves are very tough and leathery, so most fish, including plant-eaters like Silver Dollars, many cichlids, and Goldfish, tend to leave it alone. It’s a fantastic choice for tanks where other plants might get eaten.

Your Journey to a Thriving Anubias

There you have it—everything you need to master anubias nana coin care. This plant truly is one of the most rewarding and low-maintenance additions you can make to your aquarium.

Just remember the golden rules: keep that rhizome out of the substrate, provide low to moderate light, and be patient with its slow, steady growth. By following this guide, you’re well on your way to growing lush, beautiful clumps of this unique plant that will be the envy of your fellow aquarists.

Now go forth and grow! Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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