Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite - Ultra Compact Dwarf Spearleaf

The Anubias Nana Petite is the smallest member of the Anubias Nana family and an absolute favorite for aquascaping. With its ultra-compact growth and miniature, dark green leaves, this plant is perfect for the front of any aquarium. The short-stemmed, strong leaves remain very small, making this plant ideal for nano aquariums, iwagumi-style aquascapes, and detailed foreground plantings.

Why choose the Anubias Nana Petite?

• Ultra compact: The smallest Anubias species, maximum 5-7 cm high
• Perfect for nano aquariums: Ideal for small aquariums from 10 liters
• Extremely easy: Requires little to normal light, ideal for beginners
• Very robust: Strong, compact leaves that can withstand most fish
• Slow grower: Minimal maintenance, no constant trimming required
• Aquascaping favorite: Popular for iwagumi and nature aquarium styles
• Versatile mounting: On small stones, driftwood or as a carpet effect

Care and Placement

The Anubias Nana Petite is a rhizome plant, meaning the rootstock (rhizome) should not be buried under sand or gravel to prevent rot. Its ultra-compact growth makes this plant perfect for:

• On small stones: Create a natural carpet effect in iwagumi style
• On driftwood: Attach with thin wire or superglue for a natural look
• Front Zone Accent: Use as a solitary plant or in groups for detailed foreground
• Nano aquariums: Perfectly suited for small aquariums where larger plants are too dominant

Over time, the plant's roots will naturally attach to the decorative material. It grows very slowly, allowing you to enjoy a stable, low-maintenance foreground for a long time.

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Front zone | on stone and/or wood
• Maximum height: 5-7 cm (smaller than Anubias Nana)
• Leaf length: 2-4 cm
• Leaf color: Dark green
• Temperature: 22-30°C
• pH: 5.0-8.0
• KH: 0-15
• CO2: 5-40 mg/l (not required, but promotes growth)
• Light requirements: Low to normal
• Origin: Africa (cultivated variety)
• Family: Araceae
• Type: Rhizome plant
• Dutch name: Ultra Dwarf Spearleaf
• Propagation: By division of the rhizome

Perfect for Aquascaping

The Anubias Nana Petite is one of the most beloved plants in aquascaping because of its miniature size and perfect proportions. It is ideal for:

• Iwagumi-style aquascapes (on small rocks)
• Nature Aquarium foreground planting
• Nano aquariums (10-30 liters)
• Detailed aquascapes with a focus on scale
• Low-tech aquariums without CO2
• Shrimp aquariums (perfect hiding place)

Combination tips

Combine the Anubias Nana Petite with larger Anubias varieties such as Anubias Nana (middle zone) and Anubias Barteri (back zone) for a perfect layered effect with natural scale. It also pairs perfectly with small Bucephalandra varieties, miniature Cryptocoryne parva, or mosses like Flame Moss. For a classic iwagumi style, you can mount the plant on small Seiryu or Dragon stones.