Anubias Nana Bonsai care guide
Anubias Nana Bonsai (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai') — low light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Anubias Nana Bonsai (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai') is an aquatic plant of the family Araceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. An ultra-compact selection of Anubias nana with leaves rarely exceeding 2 cm. Ideal for nano tanks, foreground epiphyte work and tying onto small stones. Extremely undemanding.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'
- Common synonyms: Mini Anubias Bonsai
Habitat
Anubias species are aroids native to tropical West and Central Africa, where they grow on rocks, logs and stream banks, both submersed and emersed in shaded forest streams. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from West Africa.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: foreground
Placement
Best fixed by rhizome to wood or rock; the rhizome must remain above the substrate, otherwise it rots. Slow-growing leaves benefit from shading by taller plants to reduce algae build-up. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Multiplies vegetatively by rhizome division; each cut section should retain at least one leaf and a small root cluster and is then attached to its own hardscape. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: rhizome-division.
Common issues
Anubias rot — a soft, blackened rhizome — typically follows substrate burial or chronic poor water quality. Spot and brush algae on older leaves are controlled by lower light, shading, and removal of the most affected leaves.