Petite Anubias Nana Potted

Petite Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite')

Appearance & Growth

Add small-scale detail to your aquascape with Petite Anubias Nana. Its tiny, thick green leaves grow from a creeping rhizome, forming a compact accent on rocks and driftwood. The sturdy foliage contrasts beautifully with fine mosses and grassy plants, while offering shrimp a surface to explore for biofilm. Growth is slow, making this plant well suited to layouts where you want lasting structure rather than rapid coverage.

Size & Placement

Use as a foreground accent, in small hardscape crevices, or along the base of wood and rocks. Its compact habit suits smaller layouts as well as detailed planting in larger aquariums. Leave space for the rhizome to extend, and avoid wedging it so tightly that the stem is crushed or the growing tip is covered.

Compatible Tankmates

• Small, peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and corydoras
• Dwarf shrimp, which graze biofilm from the leaves and roots
• Plant-safe snails such as nerites
• Avoid: fish that repeatedly pull plants loose or deliberately chew the foliage; tough leaves do not make the plant damage-proof

Planted-Tank Role

Petite Anubias Nana adds broad-leaved texture at a small scale without needing a deep planting bed. Tuck it beside moss-covered wood or arrange several portions around rockwork for a layered, established look. Its slow growth makes it a decorative accent rather than a fast nutrient absorber, and it does not replace filtration or regular water changes.

Lighting & Nutrition

• Lighting: low to moderate aquarium lighting is suitable. Partial shade can help limit algae on its slow-growing leaves.
• Photoperiod: start with 6–8 hours daily and adjust to plant response and algae growth.
• Fertilizer: a complete aquarium plant fertilizer used according to its label can supplement nutrients in the water.
• Substrate: a nutrient-rich planting bed is not required when attached to hardscape.
• CO2: injection is not essential in many setups, though balanced supplementation can support growth.
• Avoid excessive light or extra fertilizer solely to force faster growth.

Water Conditions

• Adaptable to a range of stable tropical freshwater conditions.
• Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, water chemistry, or lighting.
• Provide gentle circulation to keep debris from collecting around the leaves and rhizome.
• Keep the rhizome firm, exposed, and clear of decaying material.

Planting & Attachment Guidance

• Remove any pot and packing wool carefully. If supplied as tissue culture, rinse away the growing gel.
• Attach to driftwood or rock with fine thread, a loose plant tie, or a small amount of aquarium-safe plant glue.
• Do not bury the rhizome: the horizontal stem connecting the leaves and roots must remain above the substrate to help prevent rot.
• Roots may grow into the substrate or grip hardscape naturally, provided the rhizome stays exposed.
• Keep ties loose enough to avoid cutting into the plant, and leave the growing tip uncovered.
• Allow time for attachment before repeatedly moving the plant.

Trimming & Propagation

• Remove damaged or deteriorating leaves near their base with clean scissors, without injuring the rhizome.
• Divide only healthy, established rhizomes with a clean, sharp tool, leaving several healthy leaves and roots on each section.
• Reattach divisions with their rhizomes exposed and allow time for recovery before dividing again.
• Gently clear debris from the foliage and monitor older leaves for algae.
• Dispose of unwanted plant material in household waste, never in outdoor waterways.

Adjustment After Placement

Growth may pause after transport or a change in aquarium conditions. Some older leaves may decline; remove soft, decaying foliage while preserving a firm, healthy rhizome. Maintain stable conditions and watch for new leaves rather than increasing light or fertilizer abruptly. New growth can be slow, so give the plant time to settle.