Anubias Nana Petite Plant Care Guide (Anubias Barteri var. Nana 'Petite')

Anubias Nana Petite (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite') is the smallest and most coveted variety in the Anubias family. With its miniature dark green leaves measuring less than half an inch across, this dwarf cultivar is the perfect choice for nano aquariums, foreground placement, and detailed aquascaping work. Originally cultivated by Oriental Aquarium in Singapore, Anubias Nana Petite combines the legendary durability of its parent species with a refined, scaled-down appearance ideal for shrimp tanks and intricate layouts. Whether attached to driftwood, rockwork, or used as a foreground accent, this stunning miniature plant elevates any aquascape with its compact elegance.

 

Anubias Nana Petite Plant Overview

• Common Name: Anubias Nana Petite, Dwarf Anubias Petite

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'

• Origin: Cultivated variety (parent species from West Africa)

• Placement: Foreground, Midground, Hardscape Attachment

• Maximum Height: 2–3 inches

• Growth Rate: Very Slow

• Care Level: Very Easy

• Lighting Requirements: Low to Medium

• CO2 Requirements: Not required

• Temperature: 72–82°F

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

Anubias Nana Petite is one of the few cultivated plants whose origin is reliably documented in the modern aquarium hobby.

 

Why Anubias Nana Petite Is One of the Best Nano Aquarium Plants

Anubias Nana Petite has earned a premium spot in the aquascaping world because of its miniature size, exceptional hardiness, and unmatched suitability for small-scale layouts.

Benefits of Anubias Nana Petite include:

• Ideal proportions for nano and pico tanks

• Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly

• Thrives without CO2 or special substrate

• Attaches to driftwood, rocks, and decorations

• Compatible with shrimp tanks and community aquariums

• Resistant to being eaten by herbivorous fish

 

Anubias Nana Petite Lighting & CO2 Requirements

Anubias Nana Petite prefers low to medium aquarium lighting. Strong direct lighting often promotes algae growth on the slow-growing leaves.

For best results:

• Use low to medium planted tank lighting

• Provide 6–8 hours of light daily

• Avoid direct, concentrated bright spots

• Position to allow shade from taller plants

CO2 injection is not required and is rarely needed. The plant grows extremely slowly regardless of CO2 levels.

 

Without CO2

• Steady, very slow growth

• Excellent for low-tech tanks

• Minimal maintenance requirements

With CO2

• Slightly faster leaf production

• Improved color and rhizome health

• Marginal overall benefit

 

Best Placement for Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite absorbs nutrients through its rhizome and leaves. The dark horizontal rhizome must NEVER be buried in substrate.

Recommended attachment methods include:

• Tying to driftwood with thread or fishing line

• Gluing to rocks with aquarium-safe super glue gel

• Wedging into small rock crevices

• Attaching to decorations

The rhizome will rot if buried in substrate, killing the plant.

 

How to Attach Anubias Nana Petite

To plant Anubias Nana Petite successfully:

1. Position the rhizome flat against the chosen hardscape surface

2. Secure with cotton thread, fishing line, or super glue gel

3. Ensure the rhizome remains fully exposed to water

4. Place in moderate-flow areas

5. Allow several weeks for natural rhizoid attachment

After 4–8 weeks, the plant anchors itself permanently and binding material can be removed.

 

Anubias Nana Petite Maintenance

Anubias Nana Petite requires minimal maintenance and is one of the most low-effort plants in the hobby.

Maintenance tips:

• Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the rhizome

• Wipe algae from leaves gently with fingers during water changes

• Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer occasionally

• Divide rhizomes when they grow long enough to separate

The plant's slow growth means it rarely outgrows its space.

 

Ideal Tank Mates for Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite is compatible with nearly any peaceful freshwater species and is especially popular in shrimp tanks.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, and Amano Shrimp

• Tetras, Rasboras, and Danios

• Bettas (excellent for betta tanks)

• Angelfish and Discus

• Corydoras Catfish

• Otocinclus

Most herbivorous fish avoid Anubias due to its tough, slightly bitter leaves.

 

Common Anubias Nana Petite Problems

Algae Growth on Leaves

The most common issue, caused by slow leaf growth combined with strong lighting. Reduce light intensity and wipe leaves clean during maintenance.

Rotting Rhizome

Caused by burying the rhizome in substrate. Lift the plant and attach to hardscape immediately.

Yellow Leaves

Can indicate nutrient deficiency. Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer.

Slow or Stalled Growth

Anubias Nana Petite is naturally extremely slow-growing. Patience is essential.

 

Final Thoughts

Anubias Nana Petite is the ultimate dwarf aquarium plant, combining the legendary hardiness of the Anubias genus with a perfectly scaled-down size for nano tanks and detailed aquascaping. Its miniature leaves, slow growth, and undemanding nature make it ideal for shrimp tanks, betta aquariums, and intricate hardscape arrangements. With proper attachment to hardscape and gentle care, Anubias Nana Petite will reward you with years of compact, beautiful, almost-effortless growth.

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