How to Grow Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
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Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
aquatic plantAnubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' is an extremely compact dwarf aquatic plant native to West Africa, prized for freshwater aquariums. It features tiny, deep green arrow-shaped leaves on short rhizomes and is one of the smallest cultivars of the Anubias genus. This slow-growing plant is nearly indestructible and ideal for nano tanks, foreground placement, and creating miniature aquascapes.
When should you plant Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' in your zone?
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Example Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly planted specimen with existing leaves and root development beginning
Allow 2-4 weeks for rhizoid and root acclimation. Avoid moving or disturbing. Maintain stable water conditions.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing; visible new leaves every 2-4 weeks under good conditionsPlant develops new leaves gradually; rhizome elongates slowly, creating daughter plantlets
Maintain consistent lighting and water quality. Fertilize with all-in-one or comprehensive fertilizer if growth slows. Remove old/damaged leaves gently.
Maturation
6-12 months to full maturityRhizome becomes established with multiple leaf shoots emerging; plant reaches full compact form
Continue regular maintenance. Can be divided once rhizome is substantial enough (usually 6+ months old).
Rhizome Division
Can occur anytime after 6 months; usually every 12-24 monthsMature plant develops multiple separate growth points suitable for propagation
Using sterilized scissors, cut rhizome into sections with at least 2-3 leaves each. Replant divided portions and allow 4+ weeks for establishment.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Manually remove; use snail-specific traps; maintain proper feeding to avoid excess bioload. Most snails do not seriously damage Anubias but may cause cosmetic leaf damage.
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Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours; improve water flow with filter output; use algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, plecos) or shrimp; perform water changes; gently rub leaves with soft brush if severe.
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Remove affected leaves; improve water quality and flow; reduce overcrowding; avoid overfeeding. Typically self-resolves with proper maintenance.
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Ensure rhizome is not buried; improve water circulation and quality; reduce organic detritus; perform partial water changes; may require removing plant and cleaning rhizome if severe.
Uses
Nano Aquascaping & Foreground Planting
HouseholdAnubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' is ideal for nano tanks, desktop aquariums, and foreground placement due to its extremely compact size (2-3 inches tall when mature). Its low, dense growth creates attractive aquascapes with minimal space requirements. [source]
Water Filtration & Oxygenation
HouseholdAs an aquatic plant, it absorbs excess nutrients and produces oxygen, helping maintain water quality and reduce algae. It contributes to the biofilter by hosting beneficial bacteria on leaves and rhizome. [source]
Fish & Shrimp Refuge
WildlifeDense foliage provides hiding spots and security for small fish, dwarf shrimp, and fry. Leaves offer grazing surface for algae-eating species and support beneficial bacterial colonies. [source]
Low-Maintenance Live Decoration
HouseholdAnubias 'Petite' is nearly impossible to kill, thrives in low light, and requires minimal fertilization, making it perfect for beginners or unheated tanks. It remains green year-round without special care. [source]
Hardscape Attachment & Landscaping
CraftCan be attached to driftwood, rocks, or decorative hardscape using fishing line or plant weights, allowing creative three-dimensional aquascaping without rooting in substrate. Ideal for creating natural-looking planted layouts. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant. Propagate by dividing the rhizome once mature (6+ months): using a sterile blade, separate rhizome into sections with 2-3 leaves attached. Replant divisions in substrate or attach to hardscape with fishing line or plant weights.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' is one of the smallest Anubias cultivars, sometimes reaching only 1-2 inches in height, making it suitable for even the tiniest aquariums and aquascapes.
- 🌱 Unlike most aquatic plants, Anubias prefers shade and can survive in very low light conditions (even below 1 watt per gallon), thriving where other plants fail—it may actually melt or develop algae if given too much light.
- 🌱 The rhizome (thick horizontal stem) contains toxic compounds that discourage most herbivorous fish and snails from eating it, making it one of the most resilient aquatic plants to fish damage and grazing.
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