Plant comparison
Anubias Barteri Nana vs Cyperus Helferi
How the Anubias Barteri Nana and Cyperus Helferi compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anubias Barteri Nana vs Cyperus Helferi
The Anubias Barteri Nana and the Cyperus Helferi come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Anubias Barteri Nana is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Cyperus Helferi rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Anubias Barteri Nana is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Anubias Barteri Nana22–28 °C
- Cyperus Helferi22–28 °C
pH
- Anubias Barteri Nana6–7.5
- Cyperus Helferi6–7.5
Hardness
- Anubias Barteri Nana2–15 dGH
- Cyperus Helferi2–12 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnubias Barteri NanaAnubias barteri var. nana |  PlantCyperus HelferiCyperus helferi |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa (Cameroon) | Thailand |
| Family | Araceae | Cyperaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 10–15 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Recommended |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anubias Barteri Nana and Cyperus Helferi together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Anubias Barteri Nana or the Cyperus Helferi?
The Anubias Barteri Nana is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Cyperus Helferi leans beginner-friendly.
Do Anubias Barteri Nana and Cyperus Helferi need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Anubias Barteri Nana and the Cyperus Helferi?
Placement and light. The Anubias Barteri Nana works as foreground or midground, the Cyperus Helferi as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.