Anubias barteri var. nana 'Ovalis'
Anubias Nana Ovalis is a compact freshwater aquarium rhizome plant known for its rounded, oval-shaped green leaves and hardy growth. Also known as Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Ovalis’, this attractive Anubias variety adds soft texture, natural structure, and rich green color to planted aquariums.
Like other Anubias varieties, Anubias Nana Ovalis is extremely hardy, slow-growing, and easy to care for. It thrives in low to moderate lighting, does not require CO2, and is best attached to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium decor rather than buried directly in substrate.
Key Features
- Compact Anubias variety with rounded oval green leaves
- Hardy low-light rhizome aquarium plant
- Great for foreground to midground placement
- Best attached to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium decor
- Slow-growing and low maintenance
- Safe for shrimp, snails, community fish, and many cichlid setups
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Ovalis’
- Common Name: Anubias Nana Ovalis, Anubias Ovalis
- Plant Type: Rhizome aquarium plant
- Placement: Foreground to midground, or attached to hardscape
- Lighting: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required; optional for enhanced growth
- Substrate: Not required; attach to driftwood, rock, or decor
Tank Placement
Anubias Nana Ovalis works well in the foreground to midground of freshwater aquariums or attached directly to aquarium hardscape. Its compact size and rounded leaves make it useful for adding soft texture around driftwood, rocks, caves, and natural aquascape layouts.
Do not bury the rhizome in substrate. Attach the plant to driftwood, rocks, or decor using aquarium-safe glue, thread, or fishing line. The roots may grow down and anchor over time, but the rhizome should remain exposed to prevent rot.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Anubias Nana Ovalis thrives in low to moderate lighting, making it an excellent choice for low-tech freshwater aquariums and shaded aquascape areas. Because it grows slowly, moderate lighting is usually best to help reduce algae buildup on the leaves.
CO2 is not required for Anubias Nana Ovalis. This plant grows well in simple aquarium setups with stable water conditions. Occasional liquid fertilizer can help support healthy green leaves, stronger roots, and steady growth.
Trimming & Maintenance
Anubias Nana Ovalis is very low maintenance and does not require frequent trimming. Remove older, damaged, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves near the base of the plant to keep it clean and healthy.
Because this is a slow-growing rhizome plant, avoid frequent relocation once attached. Keep the rhizome exposed, keep lighting moderate, and provide gentle water flow to help reduce debris and algae buildup on the leaves.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Low-light planted aquariums
- Low-tech freshwater tanks
- Foreground to midground aquascapes
- Driftwood and rock layouts
- Shrimp tanks and fry cover
- Peaceful community aquariums
- African cichlid aquariums with protected hardscape placement
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anubias Nana Ovalis beginner-friendly?
Yes. Anubias Nana Ovalis is extremely hardy, easy to grow, and a great choice for beginner planted aquariums.
Can Anubias Nana Ovalis grow in low light?
Yes. This plant thrives in low to moderate lighting and works well in low-tech aquariums and shaded aquascape areas.
Should I plant Anubias Nana Ovalis in substrate?
No. Do not bury the rhizome. Attach Anubias Nana Ovalis to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium decor and keep the rhizome exposed.
How large does Anubias Nana Ovalis grow?
Anubias Nana Ovalis typically grows around 3–6 inches tall depending on aquarium conditions and time to establish.
Does Anubias Nana Ovalis need CO2?
No. CO2 is not required. Optional CO2 may improve growth slightly, but this plant grows well in low-tech aquariums.
Is Anubias Nana Ovalis safe for shrimp and snails?
Yes. Anubias Nana Ovalis is safe for shrimp, snails, and peaceful freshwater fish. Its sturdy leaves also provide grazing surfaces and cover.
How do I propagate Anubias Nana Ovalis?
Anubias Nana Ovalis can be propagated by carefully dividing the rhizome into healthy sections, making sure each section has leaves and roots.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Anubias Nana Ovalis is a hardy, low-light aquarium plant for aquarists looking to add rounded green leaves, easy-care structure, and natural hardscape detail to freshwater planted tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquarium supplies.
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