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Anubias Nana Bonsai
Anubias barteri var. nana
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae
Variety of Anubias Nana · bonsai
📍 Captive-bred cultivar (West Africa origin)
An ultra-compact cultivar of A. nana with smaller leaves and shorter internodal spacing, creating a dense, bushy mound on the rhizome. The 'Bonsai' name refers to its miniaturised, tree-like appearance when grown on a small piece of driftwood or stone. Perfect for nano tanks and desktop aquariums. Care is identical to A. nana — extremely forgiving.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae-eaters that won't damage plant leaves; ideal for nano tanks
Tiny, non-destructive, and add visual interest; thrive in same water parameters
Small, peaceful schooling fish perfect for nano setups with low bioload
Gentle and slow-moving; may occasionally nibble plants but generally safe
Excellent companion plant; creates layered hardscape when attached nearby
Algae control without plant damage; won't uproot or consume Anubias
Common Diseases
Anubias Rot (Rhizome Decay)
Soft, blackened rhizome; mushy texture; foul odor; leaf yellowing and melting
Remove plant, trim away rotted tissue with sterile scissors, and replant on clean hardscape. Improve water circulation and reduce organic waste. Ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate.
Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)
Dark, hair-like algae coating leaves; reduced photosynthesis; plant appears smothered
Manual removal with soft brush; increase water changes; reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily. Add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or increase CO₂ if using pressurized system.
Nutrient Deficiency
Pale or yellowing new leaves; stunted growth; transparent patches on foliage
Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish) weekly per instructions. Ensure adequate lighting (low-medium) and stable water parameters. Test water for macro and micronutrient levels.
Melting (Emersed-to-Submersed Transition)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; rapid leaf loss after planting
This is normal adaptation; do not remove plant. Maintain stable conditions and allow 2-4 weeks for new submersed leaves to emerge. Trim dead foliage to reduce decay risk.
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low to medium
- max size
- 4–7 cm (1.5–3 in) tall
- placement
- Foreground to midground (nano tanks)
- substrate
- None — attach to hardscape
- growth rate
- Very slow
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- notes
- Smaller leaves than standard Petite. Excellent choice for nano scapes.
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 162–180°F (72–82°C)