Anubias Petite care guide
Anubias Petite (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite') — low light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Anubias Petite (Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite') 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 hardscape (epiphytic attachment to wood or rock; no substrate required). The smallest commercially available Anubias with tiny dark-green leaves barely one centimeter long. Grows extremely slowly and is perfect for nano tanks, attaching to small rocks and driftwood to create miniature landscapes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
- Common synonyms: Anubias Nana Petite
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: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: not applicable (epiphytic attachment to hardscape)
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: epiphyte on wood or rock
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 midground as an epiphyte on hardscape under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using no substrate (epiphytic attachment to hardscape).
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.