Shoal & Stem
Back to Flora & Fauna
PlanteasyFreshwater

Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaAlismatalesAraceae

Variety of Anubias Nana · petite

📍 West Africa

Anubias Nana Petite is a cultivar even smaller than standard Nana, with leaves rarely exceeding 1.5 cm (0.6 in) — making it the go-to foreground and carpeting anubias in nano aquascapes. Its slow growth means algae build-up on leaves is its biggest challenge; moderate flow and controlled nutrients help keep leaves clean. Exceptionally popular in Japanese Nature Aquarium style layouts.

Community Photos

1 photo

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

by @isaiahcowell

Sign in to vote.

Tanks keeping this 🌿

Growing in 8 tanks

Community tanks featuring Anubias Nana Petite.

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot, Black Beard)

Symptoms

Visible green or black algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant appears dull or obscured.

Treatment

Increase water flow around the plant, perform 25–30% weekly water changes, reduce photoperiod to 6–8 hours, and manually remove algae with a soft brush. Add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Amano Shrimp) or reduce nutrient levels if fertilizing.

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, mushy rhizome; foul odor; leaves yellowing and detaching; visible decay at the base.

Treatment

Remove the plant and inspect the rhizome. Trim away rotted tissue with a sterile blade, leaving only firm white/tan material. Reattach to hardscape above the substrate to improve water circulation. Ensure moderate flow and avoid burying the rhizome in substrate.

Nutrient Deficiency (Slow/No Growth)

Symptoms

Stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, no new leaf development over several months.

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish) at 1–2x weekly at half-strength. Ensure adequate lighting (15–50 PAR minimum) and moderate water flow. Check that fish bioload is sufficient; in low-bioload tanks, fertilization becomes essential.

Melting (Tissue Breakdown)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; rapid deterioration after planting.

Treatment

This is typically a transition response to new water conditions. Maintain stable parameters (pH 6.0–8.0, 22–28 °C), ensure moderate flow, and be patient—new growth usually emerges within 2–4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing during this period.

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

Sign in to share your experience.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Ask Finn

Quick Facts

co2
Not required
light
Low to medium (15–50 PAR)
placement
Foreground carpet or micro hardscape accent; attach to wood or rock
substrate
Not planted in substrate
growth rate
Very slow

Water it likes

ph
6.0–8.0
nitrate
<30 ppm
hardness
2–25 dGH
temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)

Stats

Community tips14
Growing in8 tanks