Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite

A miniature, slow-growing epiphyte that anchors to hardscape and thrives on neglect

Anubias Nana Petite is one of the most beloved foreground plants in the aquascaping hobby, celebrated for its tiny, deep green leaves and genuinely bulletproof ease of care. Unlike most aquatic plants, it's an epiphyte — meaning it anchors to hardscape (rocks, driftwood, decorations) rather than drawing nutrients from substrate. Its slow, steady growth and low light tolerance make it perfectly suited to low-tech tanks, shaded areas, and detailed hardscape arrangements. It thrives equally in submerged aquariums and emersed terrariums or vivariums, and is exceptionally long-lived once established.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO PLANT THIS - Do not bury the rhizome in substrate — doing so will cause it to rot and kill the plant. Instead, attach it to a rock, piece of driftwood, or any aquarium decor using fishing line, cotton thread, or a small dab of super glue gel. Once roots grip the surface (usually within a few weeks), the attachment material can be safely removed.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) Do I need to plant this in the substrate?

= No — and you shouldn't. Anubias Nana Petite is an epiphyte that absorbs nutrients from the water column, not from soil. Burying its rhizome in substrate causes rot and kills the plant. Instead, attach it to rocks, driftwood, or decor using fishing line, cotton thread, or super glue gel. Roots grip the surface on their own within a few weeks, after which the attachment can be removed.

(Q) It's listed as slow-growing — is that a drawback?

= For most aquarists, it's actually the opposite. Slow growth means less trimming, less maintenance, and a plant that holds its position and shape for months without intervention. Anubias Nana Petite stays small indefinitely — ideal for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, and detailed foreground arrangements. If you'd like to nudge growth slightly faster, optional CO2 or supplemental liquid fertilizer can help — but neither is required.

(Q) Why are my Anubias leaves getting covered in algae?

= High light is the most common culprit. Because Anubias Nana Petite grows slowly, its leaves stay in place long enough for algae (especially green spot algae) to take hold under intense light. The solution is simple: move the plant to a shaded or lower-light area of the tank, or reduce the photoperiod. Amano shrimp and nerite snails are also excellent natural algae cleaners for this plant.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Anubias Nana Petite plant in a 2" pot with a healthy rhizome and root system, ready to attach to hardscape on arrival. Rinse thoroughly and remove from pot before introducing to your tank.

Ships within 10–15 business days.