nubias barteri var. nana 'Snowflake' is a unique and beautiful variant of the popular Anubias plant, known for its distinctively variegated leaves. As a tissue culture plant, it comes free from pests, algae, and diseases, making it a great option for aquarium hobbyists. Here’s a detailed overview:
Description
- Appearance: Anubias 'Snowflake' is distinguished by its small, broad, dark green leaves that are speckled with white or light green variegation, giving the appearance of snowflakes. The leaves are thick and leathery, typical of the Anubias genus, and grow from a creeping rhizome. This variegation makes 'Snowflake' a striking focal point in any aquascape.
- Size: Like other Anubias nana varieties, 'Snowflake' remains compact, typically growing to about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in height with a spread of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Its slow growth and small size make it ideal for foreground or midground placement in the aquarium.
Habitat
- Native Range: While Anubias barteri var. nana originates from West Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, the 'Snowflake' variety is a cultivated form developed for aquariums.
- Natural Habitat: In the wild, Anubias species are typically found in shaded, slow-moving streams and rivers, often attached to rocks or submerged wood.
Care and Maintenance in Aquariums
- Tank Size: Anubias 'Snowflake' can be kept in tanks of all sizes, from nano aquariums to large setups, due to its compact nature.
- Water Parameters: It thrives in a wide range of water conditions, with temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F) and a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate soft to moderately hard water.
- Substrate: Anubias 'Snowflake' should not be buried in the substrate, as this can cause the rhizome to rot. Instead, it is best attached to hardscape elements like rocks, driftwood, or other decorations.
- Tank Setup: It does well in low to moderate lighting, which helps prevent algae from growing on its leaves. This plant is well-suited to both low-tech and high-tech aquariums and does not require CO2 supplementation, though it will benefit from it. Because it grows slowly, it requires minimal maintenance.
Growth and Maintenance
- Growth Rate: Anubias 'Snowflake' is a slow-growing plant, which means it requires little trimming or maintenance. However, its slow growth also means that it takes time to establish in the aquarium.
- Propagation: Propagation is simple and can be done by cutting the rhizome. Each piece of the rhizome that has a few leaves attached will continue to grow when secured to a new location in the tank.
- Maintenance: Periodically remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Due to its slow growth, Anubias 'Snowflake' is prone to algae accumulation on its leaves, especially under high light conditions. To prevent this, maintain good water circulation and consider adding algae-eating species to the tank.
