Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'
BeginnerAnubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'
A dwarf selection of Anubias nana. At about 5 cm tall its small leaves pack tightly into a compact, bonsai-like mound, suitable for stones and wood even in tanks of around 10 litres.
About
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' is a dwarf cultivar selected from the Cameroonian dwarf Anubias (var. nana). Dennerle describes it as the miniature form of the dwarf spear leaf, staying under 5 cm tall. Compared with ordinary nana (5–10 cm) the leaves are smaller and the internodes shorter, so the leaves overlap into a tight mound; that is the way to tell it apart. It is as hardy as the parent but needs slightly more light to stay compact. Tied to fine roots, driftwood or stones it looks natural, and it can be used in nano tanks from about 10 litres. Dennerle later selected the even smaller 'Pangolino' from its Bonsai stock. Other small nana selections such as 'Petite' also exist and sellers use the names differently, so check leaf size in photos before buying. Little is documented about how 'Bonsai' was first selected. Potted and tissue-culture plants are available in Japan.
Size of the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'
The Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' grows to Up to 5 cm tall.
Temperature & humidity for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'
The ideal temperature for the Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' is 22〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (var. nana is from Cameroon)
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by division
Size
Up to 5 cm tall
Temperature
22〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser
Growing Tips
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.
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'?
The ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' get?
The mature size of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' is Up to 5 cm tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'?
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai': watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2 or fertiliser. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai'?
The price of Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Anubias variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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