Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Snow Flake’ – ADA Tissue Culture

The Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Snow Flake’ is a stunning variety of Anubias featuring unique variegation with speckles of white or light green on its leaves, resembling delicate snowflakes. This plant is a rare and beautiful addition to any aquascape, providing striking contrast with its patterned foliage. Like other Anubias species, ‘Snow Flake’ is a hardy, slow-growing plant that thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Its small size and attractive foliage make it ideal for nano tanks, aquascapes, and low-tech setups.

This product is packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, which ensures that the plant is free from pests, algae, and contaminants. Tissue culture plants are grown in a sterile environment, making them a clean and safe addition to any aquarium.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting (6-10 hours per day) is ideal. Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ can tolerate low light levels but will thrive with moderate light, which helps maintain healthy growth without encouraging excessive algae buildup.
• Substrate: Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ does not require a nutrient-rich substrate because it is an epiphyte plant. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape elements. If planted in the substrate, make sure the rhizome (the main horizontal stem) is not buried, as this can lead to rot.
• CO2: CO2 injection is not required, but providing CO2 can improve growth and coloration. Anubias plants are naturally slow-growing, so even without CO2, they will develop slowly but steadily.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture:
   • Gently open the ADA Tissue Culture container. Inside, you’ll find the Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ plantlets growing in a nutrient-rich gel.
2. Rinsing the Plant:
   • Carefully remove the plant from the container and rinse off the nutrient gel under lukewarm water. It is essential to clean off all the gel to avoid contamination of your tank water.
3. Dividing the Plant:
   • Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ plants from tissue cultures can be divided into smaller portions. Look for natural divisions or clusters of leaves and rhizomes and carefully separate them into several small plantlets.
4. Planting:
   • Since Anubias is an epiphyte, do not bury its rhizome in the substrate. Instead, attach the plantlets to hardscape elements like driftwood, rocks, or even aquarium decorations using fishing line or plant-safe glue. Over time, the plant’s roots will naturally grip onto the surface and grow securely.
   • If planted in the substrate, make sure only the roots are buried, leaving the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot.

Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Snow Flake’ is a slow-growing plant, which means it requires minimal maintenance. The plant will grow new leaves gradually, so be patient with its development.
• Trimming: Occasionally, you may want to trim older or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. The plant will produce new leaves from its rhizome over time.
• Algae Prevention: Because Anubias plants grow slowly, their leaves can be prone to algae buildup, especially in high-light conditions. Ensure proper water circulation and maintain stable water parameters to prevent algae from covering the leaves. Keep algae-eating tank mates (such as Amano shrimp or Nerite snails) in your tank to help control algae growth.
• Fertilization: While Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ can survive without added nutrients, it will benefit from the occasional use of liquid fertilizers, particularly those that provide potassium and trace elements. Root tabs are not necessary, as the plant absorbs most nutrients through its leaves and roots attached to hardscape.

Ideal Tank Setup:

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Snow Flake’ is perfect for aquascapes, nano tanks, and low-maintenance setups. Its small size and unique leaf variegation make it a great foreground or midground plant, depending on your tank size. This plant can also be used to soften hardscape elements by creating natural-looking contrasts against rocks or wood.

It pairs well with other slow-growing, shade-tolerant plants like ferns and mosses. It is often used in nature-style aquariums to mimic the look of plants growing on fallen logs or stones in rivers and streams.

Summary:

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Snow Flake’ is a rare and striking plant that brings a touch of elegance to any aquascape with its variegated white and green leaves. Its hardy nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike, thriving in low-tech and high-tech setups.

This plant is packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, which means it arrives in a sterile condition, free from pests and algae. Preparing the plant for your aquarium is simple: rinse off the nutrient gel, divide the plantlets, and attach them to your hardscape or decorations. Once established, Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ will provide lasting beauty with minimal care.

Whether you’re creating a nature-inspired aquascape or simply want to add a unique accent to your tank, Anubias ‘Snow Flake’ is sure to impress with its distinctive look and hardy nature.