Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; maintained by division

Size

Up to 5 cm tall

Temperature

22〜28℃

Watering

Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

Lighting

Grows in low to medium light; give slightly more than for nana to keep it compact.

CO2 & Fertilizer

CO2 is not required (grows at 0–10 mg/L).

Water Temperature & Quality

Optimum 22–28°C; adapts to pH 5–9 and very soft to very hard water.

Substrate & Attachment

The rhizome rots easily if buried. Tie it to driftwood or stone with fishing line, or plant it with the rhizome resting on top of the substrate.

Trimming & Propagation

Very slow-growing. Propagate by rhizome cuttings.

Cautions

Names of small nana forms vary by seller, so check leaf size before buying. Never release plants into the wild.

About Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

A dwarf selection of Anubias nana that stays under about 5cm tall, with small leaves packed into a bonsai-like clump. Beginner-friendly and well suited to small aquarium layouts.

7 things to know before growing Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

1. 1Attach It to Rock or Driftwood

   Anubias Nana Bonsai isn't planted in substrate — instead, tie or glue it to a rock or piece of driftwood, which is the standard way to grow it. It can take a few weeks to attach, so keep it secured against water flow during that time. Once attached, the roots spread naturally and blend into the rock or wood.

2. 2Low to Medium Light Is Enough

   This plant grows well without strong lighting, making it easy to manage under low to medium light. Very bright light can encourage algae on the leaves, so a slightly dimmer setup is often easier to maintain than matching the intensity used for other aquarium plants.

3. 3CO2 Injection Isn't Required

   It's a hardy plant that grows fine without added CO2, making it suitable for small tanks without CO2 equipment. Adding CO2 can speed up growth somewhat, but the plant rarely suffers without it, which makes it forgiving for beginners.

4. 4Suits Typical Tropical Fish Temperatures

   It grows well within the temperature range typical for tropical fish keeping, so it can share a tank with fish and other plants without special adjustments. Avoid prolonged extremes of heat or cold — keeping the temperature stable is key to long-term growth.

5. 5Wipe Off Algae When It Appears

   The leaves are thick and firm, so algae that forms on the surface can be gently rubbed off with a finger or soft brush. Trimming away any damaged leaves also helps redirect nutrients to new growth and keeps the compact, bonsai-like shape.

6. 6Divide the Rhizome to Propagate

   As a perennial, its rhizome lengthens over time, and the clump can be divided with scissors once it's grown large enough. Each divided section can be attached to its own rock or driftwood, letting you gradually grow more plants from a single start.

7. 7Check Leaf Density and Color When Choosing

   A healthy specimen has small leaves packed tightly together with a deep, even color and few blackened or melted spots. Look for a firm, springy rhizome, which tends to establish and grow more smoothly once attached.

Frequently asked questions about Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

Q.Can beginners grow this plant?

A.Yes, Anubias Nana Bonsai is a hardy plant generally considered beginner-friendly. It doesn't require added CO2 or strong lighting, and simply attaching it to a hardscape piece makes it easy to manage.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It stays quite small, reaching only about 5cm in height even when fully grown. The small leaves layer tightly together into a compact, bonsai-like clump.

Q.Can it be kept in a small aquarium?

A.Yes, it can be grown attached to a rock or driftwood even in a small tank of around 10L. Its low height makes it easy to work into small aquarium layouts.

Q.Does it need to be planted in substrate?

A.No, it doesn't need to be planted in the substrate. The standard method is to tie or glue it to a rock or piece of driftwood and let it attach.

Q.How long can it be kept growing?

A.As a perennial, it can be kept growing for a long time under suitable conditions. Once the clump grows large, dividing it lets you refresh the plant and continue enjoying it over the long term.

Handy Growing Tools for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'

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