Anubias 'Petite'
Posted by Max Gandara on on 4th Jun 2025
Anubias 'Petite': The Perfect Foreground Jewel for Any Aquascape
In the world of planted aquariums, where subtlety and scale make all the difference, few plants shine quite like Anubias 'Petite'. As the tiniest variety in the Anubias family, this miniature beauty adds delicate charm, deep green color, and impressive durability to aquascapes of all sizes—especially nano tanks and intricate layouts.
If you’re building a refined, detail-rich scape or just want a low-maintenance plant with big visual payoff, Anubias 'Petite' is a must-have.
? What Is Anubias 'Petite'?
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' is a naturally occurring miniature cultivar of the popular Anubias barteri. Originating from West Africa and cultivated further in Asia, this variety is prized for its tiny, deep green leaves, which typically measure only 1–2 cm in length.
It retains all the qualities that make Anubias plants beloved in the hobby: slow growth, hardiness, and the ability to thrive in low light and CO₂-free setups.
? Care Requirements
This is a beginner-friendly plant that suits a wide range of aquarium environments.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Low to Medium (high light not necessary) |
| Temperature | 22–28°C (72–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO₂ Injection | Optional (enhances growth, but not required) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Placement | Foreground |
? Planting & Placement Tips
-
Attach it to rocks, driftwood, or bonsai-style structures using thread or aquarium-safe glue.
-
Never bury the rhizome—doing so may cause rot.
-
Perfect for nano tanks, shrimp tanks, or foreground detailing in larger aquascapes.
-
Use multiple tufts of Anubias Petite in clusters for a lush, ground-hugging carpet effect.
? Compatibility & Aquascape Use
Anubias 'Petite' is extremely fish- and shrimp-safe, with sturdy leaves that resist nibbling from most plant-eating fish. It’s also a favorite in tanks with:
-
Betta fish
-
Dwarf shrimp (great biofilm surface)
-
Peaceful nano species like rasboras or celestial pearl danios
It pairs beautifully with:
-
Hardscape-heavy Iwagumi layouts
-
Mosses like Taxiphyllum or Riccardia
-
Other miniature plants like Cryptocoryne parva or Bucephalandra
✂️ Maintenance & Propagation
-
Very little maintenance—just remove older or algae-covered leaves occasionally.
-
Can be gently trimmed or thinned if it grows too dense over time.
-
Propagation is easy: cut a portion of the rhizome with a few leaves and reattach elsewhere in your tank.
? Why Choose Anubias 'Petite'?
-
✅ Incredibly hardy and beginner-friendly
-
✅ Tiny size ideal for nano tanks and fine aquascaping
-
✅ Tolerates low light and no CO₂
-
✅ Perfect for attaching to hardscape
-
✅ Enhances visual depth and layering in planted tanks
Final Thoughts
Anubias 'Petite' is proof that small plants can make a big impact. Whether you’re building a lush nano scape or want to add subtle detail to a larger layout, its resilience, beauty, and ease of care make it a versatile and reliable choice.
No high maintenance, no demanding conditions—just steady growth and timeless elegance.