The Anubias barteri var. nana 'Golden' (commonly known as the Yellow Heart or Golden Nana) is a striking and highly coveted cultivar prized for its luminous, chartreuse to bright yellow-gold foliage. Offering the same legendary hardiness and undemanding nature as traditional green Anubias, this rare variant provides a brilliant splash of warm, contrasting color that instantly brightens shaded midground areas of a freshwater aquarium.

Short Description & Highlights

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Golden' is a slow-growing, epiphytic aquarium plant that thrives when attached to hardscape elements like driftwood or rocks rather than being planted directly in the substrate. Its signature gold coloration is most vibrant on newer leaves, making it an exceptional focal point. Because it is robust, highly resilient, and herbivore-resistant, it is widely considered one of the best specimen plants for absolute beginners.

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Detailed Beginner Care Guide

1. Planting and Hardscape Attachment

Never bury the horizontal stem (rhizome) of the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Golden' into aquarium gravel or sand, as doing so will cause the rhizome to suffocate and rot. Instead, use fishing line, cotton thread, or aquarium-safe plant glue to secure the plant onto pieces of driftwood, lava rock, or decorative stones. Over time, its robust root system will naturally anchor itself.

2. Lighting and Color Maintenance

To maintain its signature striking yellow-gold hue, provide moderate lighting. If kept in excessively dim conditions, the new leaves may revert to a darker green tone. Conversely, avoid overly intense lighting or direct sunlight, because its slow growth rate makes the broad leaves susceptible to slow-growing algae accumulation.

3. Fertilization and Maintenance

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection is entirely optional, making it an ideal low-tech plant. It absorbs nutrients primarily through its water column and roots, so a routine dose of liquid aquarium fertilizer will keep the golden leaves vivid. Furthermore, its tough, bitter leaves mean herbivorous fish like cichlids and goldfish typically leave it completely alone.