Anubias Nana Pinto

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Pinto’ is a unique and visually striking cultivar of the popular Anubias species, known for its beautiful and distinct appearance. It’s part of the Anubias barteri family, but the ‘Pinto’ variety is especially admired for its dramatic color contrast and eye-catching speckled leaves.

Key Characteristics of Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Pinto’:

1. Appearance:

   • The most distinctive feature of Anubias nana ‘Pinto’ is its variegated leaves, which typically show green foliage interspersed with white or creamy spots and blotches, resembling the patterns found on a Pinto bean (hence the name).
   • The speckles can appear in varying patterns, making each leaf unique. The contrast between the green and white is quite striking, and the plant’s compact size adds to its charm.
   • The leaves are firm, glossy, and have the characteristic heart-shaped structure that is common in Anubias species.

2. Size:

   • Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Pinto’ is considered a dwarf variety, and its size typically stays small, making it a great choice for aquariums with limited space or for aquascaping.
   • It typically reaches a height of 3-5 inches (7-12 cm), which allows it to be used in a variety of tank setups, from foreground to midground plants, depending on the aquascaping design.

3. Hardiness:

   • Like other Anubias varieties, Anubias nana ‘Pinto’ is hardy and resilient, making it a suitable plant for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
   • It’s tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, including temperature, pH, and hardness. It can thrive in soft to moderately hard water and does well in temperatures ranging from 72-82°F (22-28°C).
   • It can tolerate low to moderate lighting, which makes it perfect for aquariums that don’t have intense light.

4. Care Requirements:

   • Water Conditions: Anubias nana ‘Pinto’ is quite adaptable and can live in various water conditions, with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. It prefers a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
   • Lighting: It thrives in low to moderate light. It can tolerate brighter light, but high lighting can promote algae growth on its leaves, which is something to consider when choosing the ideal setup.
   • Substrate: While it can be planted in substrate, Anubias ‘Pinto’ is an epiphytic plant, meaning it can also be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations. It’s crucial that the rhizome (the horizontal stem) remains above the substrate to prevent rot.
   • Fertilization: It’s not a particularly nutrient-hungry plant, but it benefits from occasional fertilization. You can use liquid fertilizers or root tabs to provide the necessary nutrients, especially in low-nutrient environments.

5. Growth Rate:

   • Anubias nana ‘Pinto’ has a slow growth rate, typical of the Anubias genus. It grows gradually, and the slow pace means less frequent trimming is needed.
   • It can propagate by rhizomes, and when it starts growing larger, you can divide the plant to encourage further growth or to fit it into different parts of the aquarium.

6. Tank Compatibility:

   • This plant is ideal for small to medium-sized aquariums, including nano tanks. Its slow growth rate and compact size make it versatile for both foreground and midground aquascaping designs.
   • It’s compatible with shrimp, snails, and small fish, as they typically don’t damage the plant. However, be mindful of herbivorous fish that might nibble on the leaves.
   • It’s a great addition to low-tech aquariums, as it doesn’t require high light or intense care, and it will happily grow without CO2 supplementation.