Anubias Nana Con Leaves – The Ultimate Guide To Lush, Easy Growth

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever look at a stunning, lushly planted aquarium and think, “I could never do that”? It often feels like you need a degree in botany and a fortune in high-tech gear to keep aquatic plants alive, let alone thriving. Many of us have brought home a beautiful green plant only to watch it slowly melt away, leaving us frustrated and discouraged.

I’m here to promise you that it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a plant that defies the odds—a nearly indestructible, incredibly beautiful variety that asks for very little but gives so much in return. That plant is Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Coin Leaves’.

In this complete anubias nana con leaves guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to plant it correctly (this is the most important part!), its simple care needs, how to solve the few problems you might encounter, and even how to create new plants for free. Get ready to add a bulletproof gem to your aquascape!

What Makes Anubias Nana ‘Coin Leaves’ So Special?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” What makes this specific Anubias variety a must-have for both beginners and seasoned aquascapers? It’s more than just a pretty face; its unique characteristics make it a true standout.

Unlike the more common Anubias nana, which has pointed, spear-shaped leaves, the ‘Coin Leaves’ (sometimes called ‘Round Leaf’) variety boasts charming, distinctly rounded leaves. This unique shape adds a soft, gentle texture to your aquascape, contrasting beautifully with feathery stem plants or sharp-edged hardscape.

The Top Benefits of Anubias Nana Coin Leaves

If you’re on the fence, here are the reasons this plant earns a spot in almost every tank I set up:

  • Incredibly Hardy: This plant is tough as nails. It tolerates a huge range of water parameters, making it perfect for beginners who are still learning to keep their tank stable.
  • Low Light Champion: You don’t need a super-powered, expensive light to grow it. In fact, it prefers low to moderate lighting, which also helps keep pesky algae at bay.
  • Fish and Invert Safe: Its leaves are thick, waxy, and tough. This means most herbivorous fish, like many cichlids or even goldfish, tend to leave it alone. It’s a perfect, safe playground for shrimp and snails.
  • Slow and Steady Growth: This is a huge plus! Its slow growth means you won’t be constantly trimming it. You can place it in your aquascape and enjoy it for years without it taking over the tank.

How to Plant Anubias Nana Coin Leaves the Right Way

Okay, friend, listen closely. If you only remember one thing from this entire article, let it be this: Do NOT bury the rhizome! This is the single biggest mistake people make, and it’s the fastest way to kill this otherwise indestructible plant.

Not sure what a rhizome is? No problem. It’s the thick, horizontal stem-like part of the plant from which both the leaves (up top) and the roots (down below) grow. Think of it as the plant’s central lifeline. Burying it in substrate will cause it to rot, and once the rhizome rots, the plant is gone for good.

So, how do you plant it? Anubias are epiphytes, which is a fancy word meaning they are designed to grow attached to things like rocks and driftwood, not in the soil. Here are the two best methods:

Method 1: The Thread or Fishing Line Technique

This is the classic, tried-and-true method. It’s simple and effective.

  1. Choose a piece of driftwood or a rock where you want your Anubias to live.
  2. Gently place the rhizome against the surface of the hardscape.
  3. Take a piece of dark-colored cotton thread or thin fishing line and loosely tie the plant in place. Don’t tie it so tightly that you crush the rhizome! Just snug enough to hold it steady.
  4. Over the next few months, the plant’s roots will grow and wrap around the object, anchoring themselves permanently. Once it’s secure, you can carefully cut and remove the thread.

Method 2: The Super Glue Gel Pro-Tip

This is my personal favorite for its speed and clean look. It’s one of the best anubias nana con leaves tips I can share.

  1. Get some cyanoacrylate super glue gel. It MUST be the gel version, as the regular liquid kind is too runny. Ensure it doesn’t have any special additives. Most brands, like Loctite or Gorilla Glue Gel, are 100% aquarium safe once cured.
  2. Take your plant and hardscape out of the water and pat both the rhizome and the attachment spot dry with a paper towel.
  3. Apply a few small dabs of the glue gel to the rock or wood.
  4. Press the rhizome firmly onto the glue spots and hold for about 30-60 seconds.
  5. Let it sit for a few minutes to fully cure, then you can place it right back into your aquarium. The glue is inert and harmless to your fish once dry.

The Ultimate Anubias Nana Coin Leaves Care Guide

Now that your plant is happily situated, let’s talk about keeping it that way. The good news is, this part is incredibly easy. This plant follows simple anubias nana con leaves best practices without needing much fuss.

Lighting Needs

As we mentioned, this is a low-light plant. It thrives in shaded areas of the tank or under standard, low-output LED lighting. Giving it too much light is a common mistake that doesn’t kill the plant but invites its biggest enemy: algae.

Aim for about 6-8 hours of low to moderate light per day. If you see green spot algae or black beard algae starting to form on the leaves, your light is likely too intense or on for too long.

Water Parameters and Fertilization

Anubias is wonderfully adaptable. Here are the general ranges it’s happy in:

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Hardness: It’s not picky at all and will do well in both soft and hard water.

Because it’s a slow grower, it’s also a slow feeder. It primarily absorbs nutrients from the water column through its roots and leaves. A good, comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week is more than enough to keep it happy and green. You don’t need CO2 injection, but it will certainly encourage slightly faster, more robust growth if you have it.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Anubias Nana Coin Leaves

Even the toughest plants can run into issues. Don’t worry—most are easy to fix. Here are the most common problems with anubias nana con leaves and how to solve them.

Problem: Algae on the Leaves

This is, by far, the most frequent issue. Because the leaves grow so slowly and last for a long time, they provide a perfect, stable surface for algae to colonize, especially under high light.

  • Solution 1: Reduce Light. Lower the intensity of your light or reduce the photoperiod (how long it’s on).
  • Solution 2: Introduce an Algae Crew. Nerite snails, Amano shrimp, and Otocinclus catfish are all fantastic at cleaning the surfaces of Anubias leaves.
  • Solution 3: Spot Treat. For stubborn algae like Black Beard Algae (BBA), you can spot-treat. Turn off your filter, and use a pipette to apply a small amount of liquid carbon (like Seachem Excel) or 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the algae. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before turning the filter back on. The algae will turn red/white and die off over the next few days.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

If you notice the leaves, especially new ones, are looking pale or yellow, this is usually a sign of a nutrient deficiency. The plant is hungry!

  • Solution: Fertilize. Start dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains both macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients (like iron). Consistent, light dosing is the key.

Problem: Rotting Rhizome

The rhizome feels soft, mushy, and is turning brown or black. This is the only problem that is often fatal.

  • Cause: It was almost certainly buried in the substrate.
  • Solution: If you catch it early, you may be able to save part of the plant. Carefully cut away any soft, rotting parts of the rhizome with a sharp, clean blade. If you have a healthy section with a few leaves left, you can re-attach it to hardscape and hope for the best.

Sustainable Propagation: Creating More of Your Favorite Plant

One of the most rewarding parts of keeping Anubias is how easy it is to propagate. This is where the concept of sustainable anubias nana con leaves comes in. Instead of buying new plants, you can grow your own!

Over time, the rhizome will grow longer and sprout more leaves. Once the rhizome is a few inches long and has at least 6-8 healthy leaves, you can divide it.

  1. Gently take the plant out of the tank.
  2. Identify a good place to cut. You want to ensure each new piece will have at least 3-4 leaves and a healthy chunk of rhizome.
  3. Using a sharp razor blade or scissors, make a clean cut through the rhizome.
  4. That’s it! You now have two plants. You can attach the new piece to another rock or piece of driftwood and watch it grow. This is an excellent, eco-friendly anubias nana con leaves practice for filling out your tank or sharing with fellow hobbyists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Coin Leaves

Do Anubias Nana ‘Coin Leaves’ need CO2?

No, they absolutely do not require CO2 injection. They are perfectly happy in low-tech tanks. Adding CO2 will result in slightly faster and more vigorous growth, but it is completely optional.

Can I plant it in the substrate at all?

You can, but with a major warning. You can allow the thin, stringy roots to go down into the substrate for anchorage, but the thick, green rhizome must always remain above the gravel or sand. Never, ever bury the rhizome itself.

Why are my new leaves so small?

This can happen for a couple of reasons. Often, when a plant is new to a tank, it’s still adjusting to the new water parameters and lighting, and its first few leaves may be smaller. It can also be a sign of a slight nutrient deficiency. Ensure you are dosing a quality liquid fertilizer regularly.

Is this plant safe for my betta, shrimp, and snails?

Absolutely! It’s one of the best plants for them. The broad, sturdy leaves provide perfect resting spots for bettas, and the surfaces are great grazing grounds for shrimp and snails. They are completely safe and highly recommended for these tank inhabitants.

Your Journey to a Greener Tank Starts Here

The Anubias Nana ‘Coin Leaves’ is more than just a plant; it’s a confidence builder. It proves that you don’t need complicated setups or a “green thumb” to create a beautiful, living underwater world.

By following this simple anubias nana con leaves care guide—remembering to keep that rhizome unburied, providing low light, and attaching it to a beautiful piece of hardscape—you are setting yourself up for success. You’ll have a gorgeous, low-maintenance centerpiece that will grace your aquarium for years to come.

So go ahead, give it a try. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to watch this little gem thrive. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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