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

Anubias Nana 'Petite' is a miniature selection of Nana with leaves barely the size of a fingernail, making it the go-to epiphyte for nano tanks, bonsai trees, and detailed foreground rockwork. Care is the same as any Anubias — low light, no CO2, rhizome kept above the substrate — only at a much smaller scale. The cultivar originated at Oriental Aquarium in Singapore.

Care specifications

TypeRhizome
DifficultyEasy
LightLow (10–30 µmol PAR)
CO2Not needed
Fertilizer demandLow
Growth rateSlow
Max height3 in
Spread4 in
PlacementForeground, Epiphyte
Attaches to hardscapeYes
Snail & shrimp safeYes
Temperature72–82 °F
pH6–7.8
ColorGreen
TrimmingMinimal
StylesIwagumi, Nature, Biotope

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Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite Potted

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Propagation

Divide the rhizome into small sections, each with a few of its tiny leaves, and glue or tie them to nano hardscape.

Frequently asked questions

Is Anubias Petite good for a nano or shrimp tank?

It is ideal. Its tiny leaves keep the scale right in small tanks, the dense low rhizome gives shrimp grazing surface, and it asks for no CO2 or strong light. Glue a few sections to small stones or branches and it will slowly knit into a compact cushion.

Why does my Anubias Petite get algae more than larger plants?

Its leaves are small and extremely slow-growing, so each one stays in place a long time and collects algae, especially under bright light. Keep it shaded, run a modest photoperiod, and let amano shrimp or nerite snails keep the little leaves clean.

Why is part of my Petite's rhizome turning black and soft?

That is rhizome rot, and it spreads if left alone. Trim away every mushy section with sterile scissors until only firm tissue remains, throw the trimmings out, and remount the healthy pieces somewhere with better flow so water keeps moving across the rhizome.

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