Java fern and Anubias are the two go-to beginner aquarium plants. Both are hardy, low-light epiphytes that attach to hardscape — so which should you start with? Here’s how they compare.
Quick answer: Both are hardy, low-light epiphytes that need no CO2 and attach to wood or rock (never bury the rhizome) — care is nearly identical and both are very hard to kill. Pick Anubias, especially Anubias Nana, for compact, glossy foreground and midground accents; pick Java fern for taller, strappy background cover that hides equipment. Most beginners do best with both together in a low-tech scape.
Appearance
Anubias has thick, glossy, rounded leaves and a compact habit. Java fern has longer, textured, strappy leaves and a taller, bushier look.
Care — nearly identical
Both want low-to-moderate light, no CO₂, and attaching to wood or rock (never bury the rhizome). Both tolerate a wide range of water and are very hard to kill.
Which to choose
- Foreground/midground accents: Anubias (especially Anubias Nana).
- Background cover / hiding equipment: Java fern.
- Honestly? Get both — they look fantastic together in a low-tech scape.
Shop Anubias and Java fern — hand-picked, shipped across India with a live-arrival guarantee.
Whichever you choose, both are beginner-proof — see our Java fern care guide or Anubias care guide for full growing instructions.
Decided on the fern? See the Java fern varieties we stock — regular, dwarf, Philippine and Wrinkled Leaf all ship with a live-arrival guarantee.
 Anubias Nana White ₹310 Buy Now |  Anubias Nana ₹90 Buy Now |  Anubias Barteri var glabra ₹90 Buy Now |