It’s been a challenge to find an epiphyte that looks good on the mountain. I tried Anubias nana ‘Snow White’ which failed to grow, and the similar Anubias nana ‘Pinto’ which grew fine but looked too big for the nanotank. Also in the mix was Bucephalandra caterina which grew well and kind of resembled a sombrero hat after it really got going, and Anubias barteri nana ‘Pangolino’ which was more rhizome than decorative leaves. Now I’m having a go with Anubias Barteri ‘Mini Coin’ which I sourced from Java Plants (a new vendor for me). After the great epiphyte tear-out of last year there was prime epiphyte real estate available on the mountain.
The ‘Mini Coin’ went in 6 months ago and has thrived nicely. Originally from a tissue culture cup, the ‘Mini Coin’ tucked easily into cracks and crevices for planting and seems not too fussed about high light vs. low light, or about calm waters vs. vigorous flow. Some of the roots did get long and started collecting black beard algae, I think because I was supplying too much iron; trimming those off sorted the issue with no ill effects. A generous spray of attractive round leaves gives a neat look in a small space.