The Ultimate Care Guide for Anubias Nana White: How to Keep Your Plant Thriving

Anubias Nana White is the crown jewel of the aquarium hobby, a rare and breathtaking plant that can elevate any aquascape from beautiful to extraordinary. But its ghostly white leaves, a result of a near-total lack of chlorophyll, also mean it requires special care. This is not your average Anubias. In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know to not only keep your Anubias Nana White alive but to help it truly thrive.

Understanding the “White” in Anubias Nana White

Before we dive into care, it’s crucial to understand why this plant is white. Unlike its green cousins, Anubias Nana White is an albino or variegated form with a genetic mutation that prevents the production of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows plants to photosynthesize and create energy from light.

Because this plant has so little chlorophyll, its ability to produce energy is severely limited. This is why it grows incredibly slowly and is more delicate than other Anubias. Our entire care strategy must revolve around compensating for this “disability” by providing it with the perfect, stable environment. For a deeper look into the genetics, check out our guide on the science of variegation.

The 3 Pillars of Anubias Nana White Care

Success with this plant comes down to mastering three key areas: Lighting, Nutrients, and Stability.

Pillar 1: The Delicate Balance of Lighting

Lighting is the single most important—and most difficult—factor in caring for Anubias Nana White. It’s a true balancing act.

• Too Much Light: The delicate, chlorophyll-lacking leaves are extremely susceptible to burning under intense light. High light will also cause an explosion of algae on the leaves, which the plant is too slow-growing to fight off.
• Too Little Light: This is the most common reason for failure. If the light is too dim, the plant will activate its survival mode. It will start producing more chlorophyll to capture what little light is available, causing its beautiful white leaves to turn green and lose their value.

The Sweet Spot: You need to aim for a **low to medium, diffused light**. This means placing the plant in a shaded area of a high-tech tank or using a lower-powered light in a dedicated setup. A PAR value of 20-40 µmol/m²/s is often ideal. For a complete breakdown, read our specialized lighting guide for Anubias Nana White.

Pillar 2: Nutrients & CO2 – Feeding a Hungry Plant

Because its energy production is so inefficient, we need to make it as easy as possible for the plant to get the building blocks it needs.

• CO2 Injection: While other Anubias are fine without it, CO2 is **highly recommended** for Anubias Nana White. Injecting CO2 provides a readily available source of carbon, which is the primary building block for plant tissue. This reduces the stress on the plant and helps it maintain its health and color.
• Liquid Fertilizers: This plant is a “water column feeder.” It absorbs nutrients directly through its leaves, not its roots. Therefore, a comprehensive liquid fertilizer is essential. You must provide both macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium ) and micronutrients (Iron, Magnesium, etc.) regularly. Dosing a quality fertilizer 2-3 times per week is a good starting point.

Pillar 3: Stability is Everything

Anubias Nana White hates change. Drastic swings in water parameters are the primary cause of “melting,” where the leaves seem to disintegrate. Your goal is to create and maintain a rock-solid, stable environment.

• Temperature: Keep it stable between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• pH: Aim for a stable pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Water Changes: Perform regular, small water changes (e.g., 20% weekly) rather than large, infrequent ones. This prevents sudden shifts in water chemistry.

For more on this topic, our guide to preventing melt and rot is a must-read.

Planting and Placement

Like all Anubias, the planting technique is critical.

1. NEVER Bury the Rhizome: The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. If you bury it under your substrate, it will suffocate and rot, killing the plant.
2. Attach to Hardscape: The best method is to attach the plant to a piece of driftwood or porous rock. You can use a small amount of aquarium-safe super glue gel or tie it loosely with fishing line or cotton thread.
3. Placement in the Tank: Place it in the midground where it can be a focal point but is also partially shaded by other plants or hardscape to protect it from direct, harsh light.

Propagation: A Rewarding Endeavor

Due to its high value and slow growth, propagating Anubias Nana White can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also very rewarding. Only attempt this on a large, healthy, and well-established plant.

The method is rhizome division: using a sharp, sterile blade to cut the rhizome, ensuring each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves. For a detailed, safe walkthrough, please follow our specialized propagation guide for this rare plant.

By providing the right balance of light, consistent nutrients, and a stable environment, you can successfully cultivate this stunning plant. It is a true showpiece that signals your dedication and skill as an aquascaper. While it demands more attention than its green relatives like Anubias Pinto, the reward of its ethereal white beauty is more than worth the effort.