Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust' is another beautiful variety of Anubias, known for its stunning appearance with speckled or mottled leaves, often giving it a starry or "dusty" look. This plant is hardy, slow-growing, and relatively easy to care for, much like other Anubias species.

Here's a care guide for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust':

1. Light Requirements

• Low to Moderate Light: Like other Anubias varieties, 'Stardust' does best under low to moderate lighting. Too much light can cause algae to accumulate on its leaves, and in extreme cases, can cause the plant’s coloration to fade.

• Best Lighting Setup: LED or fluorescent lighting that provides a light intensity of around 2-3 watts per gallon is perfect. For the best appearance, keep the light intensity moderate so the plant's speckled pattern stays vibrant.

2. Temperature

• Temperature Range: This plant thrives in tropical temperatures, ideally between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). As with most Anubias, it’s fairly tolerant of slight fluctuations in temperature.

3. Water Parameters

• pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). This plant is quite adaptable, but it prefers a neutral pH.

• Hardness: 3-8 dGH (General Hardness). It's tolerant of various water hardness levels, but slightly soft to moderately hard water works best.

• Water Flow: Anubias 'Stardust' prefers low to moderate water flow. It doesn't like strong currents, so be sure to avoid placing it in areas with powerful filter outlets or water jets.

4. Substrate

• Rhizome-Based Plant: Like other Anubias, 'Stardust' grows from a rhizome, not from roots, meaning you should never bury the rhizome in the substrate. Doing so can lead to rot. Instead, anchor it to rocks, driftwood, or other hard surfaces using fishing line, glue (like aquarium-safe super glue), or plant weights.

• Substrate Choice: You can use fine gravel, sand, or even nutrient-rich substrates for other plants. The plant doesn't need much from the substrate since it absorbs nutrients through its leaves, but you may find it beneficial to have some nutrient-rich substrate if you want faster growth.

5. Fertilization

• Liquid Fertilizer: 'Stardust' will benefit from occasional liquid fertilizers, especially ones that contain micronutrients. Anubias doesn't require heavy feeding, but providing a balanced liquid fertilizer (with iron and trace elements) every 1-2 weeks can help with overall health.

• CO₂: While not necessary, the addition of CO₂ can boost growth and improve the plant’s appearance. However, it is not essential for survival. In lower light setups, you can skip CO₂ without major consequences.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

• Slow Grower: Anubias 'Stardust' is a slow-growing plant. It doesn’t need frequent trimming, but you should remove any yellowing or decaying leaves to prevent any decay affecting the plant.

• Algae Growth: Algae tends to grow on the leaves under high light. If you notice algae accumulation, gently clean the leaves with a soft sponge or a toothbrush. Adding algae-eating fish, like otocinclus or shrimp, can also help manage algae.

7. Tankmates

• Community Tank Friendly: Anubias 'Stardust' is peaceful and does well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. Avoid placing it in tanks with plant-eating fish (like goldfish or certain cichlids), as their leaves can be nibbled or uprooted.

• It pairs well with smaller, peaceful species, such as shrimp, small tetras, and non-aggressive catfish (like Corydoras).

8. Growth and Size

• Compact Growth: Like other Anubias varieties, 'Stardust' is slow-growing and stays relatively small. The plant usually grows to a height of around 3-4 inches (8-10 cm), making it great for the foreground or mid-ground of aquariums.

• Size and Spread: The plant may spread a little over time as new leaves grow from the rhizome, but it won’t take over your tank. It’s perfect for small aquariums or nano setups.

9. Common Problems

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, insufficient light, or poor water quality. Make sure the plant gets enough light (but not too much) and that the water parameters are stable. If the plant is in a low-nutrient environment, use liquid fertilizer.

• Rhizome Rot: If the rhizome is buried in the substrate, it may start to rot. Always ensure the rhizome is exposed to the water, and avoid burying it under gravel or substrate.

Bonus Tip:

• Placement: The 'Stardust' variety has beautiful speckled leaves, which contrast well with other plants. It’s a great addition to aquascapes as a mid-ground or foreground plant. You can also attach it to pieces of driftwood or rocks for a natural look.

Summary Care Checklist:

• Light: Low to moderate

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)

• pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Water Flow: Low to moderate

• Fertilization: Occasional liquid fertilizer (light dosing)

• Substrate: Attach to rocks or driftwood; avoid burying the rhizome

• Pruning: Remove dead leaves as needed

• Tankmates: Peaceful fish and shrimp; avoid plant-eating species

With these care instructions, your Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust' should thrive and bring a unique and striking look to your aquarium.