Anubias Nana Petite - Potted

Anubias Nana Petite | Potted

Anubias Nana Petite is one of the smallest Anubias varieties, native to West Africa, and a favorite for aquascapers who want a compact, polished plant that stays neat over time. It produces small, round, deep-green leaves that look almost “finished” even in a brand-new setup—and because those leaves are thick and tough, the plant holds up well in active community tanks. Like other Anubias, Nana Petite is an epiphyte: it naturally prefers to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, and décor rather than being buried in the substrate. When it’s truly thriving, it may even reward you with a delicate white to yellowish flower.   

Anubias Nana Petite Overview

In the aquarium, Nana Petite grows slowly into a low, dense cluster of leaves that works beautifully along the front of a layout, around hardscape edges, or tucked into crevices where larger plants would feel oversized. It’s especially appreciated for:

• True nano-friendly size: A great choice for smaller tanks, detailed aquascapes, and foreground accents.
• Classic Anubias durability: Thick leaves that stay attractive and resist damage in busy tanks.
• Epiphyte versatility: Attach it to rock or wood for an instant natural look—no planting “in the ground” required.
• A clean, refined aesthetic: Deep green leaves provide calm contrast against brighter stems and textured hardscape.

Because it stays compact and grows slowly, Nana Petite is ideal for creating that “high-detail” look around hardscape—where the little leaves read as intentional design, not overgrown greenery.

Caring for Anubias Nana Petite

Anubias Nana Petite is hardy, adaptable, and beginner-friendly. It grows well in low to moderate light and does not require CO₂, which makes it an excellent choice for low-tech planted tanks. That said, it will grow a bit faster and stay more vibrant with consistent nutrients. Occasional dosing with a complete liquid fertilizer (such as Thrive) helps maintain healthy growth, and stable conditions are more important than chasing high light or high-tech setups. The plant reproduces by sending side shoots from the rhizome, and mature clumps can also be divided to create new plants.

• Light: Low
• Temperature Range: 69–86°F
• Placement: Foreground
• CO₂: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Slow

For best results, attach Nana Petite to hardscape rather than burying it. You can tuck the roots lightly into sand or gravel, but the rhizome must remain exposed so it doesn’t rot. Aquascaping-wise, Nana Petite is an exceptional hardscape accent plant: attach a few clumps along the lower edges of your main rock line, tuck it into seams where two stones meet, or place it at the base of a driftwood “tree” so it looks like natural growth clinging to the structure. It pairs especially well with rugged textures like Ohko Dragon Rock or Seiryu Stone, where the small round leaves pop against sharp ridges and holes. With driftwood—Stump Wood, Blackwood, or Driftwood on Slate—it looks fantastic near the base and on branch junctions, creating an instant riverbank feel.

For plant pairings, Nana Petite shines when you combine it with different leaf shapes and textures. Try placing Cryptocorynes (like Wendtii Green or Wendtii Red) behind it for a broader midground backdrop, while Nana Petite keeps the foreground crisp and detailed. You can also mount Java Fern or Bucephalandra higher up on the same rock or wood, keeping Nana Petite low—this creates a natural progression from small leaves to larger leaves as your eye moves upward. Even a touch of moss on a nearby branch can help blend everything together and make the hardscape look “aged in” rather than newly assembled.

Why Choose the Potted Version

Potted Anubias Nana Petite is a great option if you want a more stable, ready-to-place plant with an established root system. Many aquarists like placing the pot directly into the aquarium while they decide on final positioning, then attaching the plant to rock or wood later. It’s also an easy way to reduce handling and keep the plant steady during the initial adjustment period—especially helpful in a finished aquascape where you don’t want to disturb surrounding plants.

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If you love Anubias, be sure to explore our full Anubias category, including varieties grown on lava rock or driftwood for an instant “ready-to-place” focal accent that makes a tank look established the moment you add it.