Anubias minima

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

This small plant is perfect for the foreground or midground. It should be attached to small rocks or pieces of driftwood. Do not bury the rhizome in the substrate.

Botanical form

Rhizome

It features very narrow, pointed, dark green leaves that are smaller than lanceolata. It grows in a compact, creeping fashion from a thin rhizome. It is a delicate-looking but robust miniature plant.

Growth

Medium

It has an extremely slow growth rate, producing new leaves very rarely. This makes it a great choice for low-maintenance nano tanks. It grows well without any CO2 supplementation.

Substrate

None

As a compact epiphyte, Anubias minima exhibits zero demand for a planted substrate and will quickly perish if its fragile rhizome is buried beneath gravel or soil. It thrives best when attached tightly to small stones or branchy driftwood, using its dense, fine root system purely as a structural anchor. Because it draws all required hydration and nutrition directly through its leaves and exposed rhizome, the presence of a nutrient-rich aquarium bed offers no advantages. It can be easily grown in completely bare-bottom setups as long as regular liquid fertilization is provided.

Column fertilization

Recommended

It takes in nutrients entirely from the water column. A light dosing of comprehensive liquid fertilizer will keep it healthy. Potassium is particularly good for maintaining leaf integrity.

Root fertilization

None

Root fertilization is not applicable. The roots serve only to hold the plant tightly to hardscape elements. It does not draw any nutrients from the soil.

Trimming

Occasional

Pruning is almost never required due to its slow growth. When needed, carefully snip off old or algae-covered leaves near the rhizome. Always use clean, sharp scissors.

Propagation

Division

Propagate by carefully dividing the thin rhizome. Ensure each new section has at least three leaves and some roots. Attach the new pieces to hardscape to establish them.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is very sensitive to spot algae due to its slow growth and small leaves. It prefers shaded areas under larger plants or hardscape. The rhizome is highly prone to rot if buried.

Layout role

Midground, Epiphyte

Its fine, narrow leaves are excellent for adding intricate detail to the foreground. It is perfect for nano aquariums or small crevices in larger tanks. It provides great scale and contrast.