Anubias Nana Bonsai
Plant Profile
Sitting right between Anubias Nana Petite and standard Anubias Nana in leaf size, Anubias Nana Bonsai fills the gap for nano aquarium plants. It produces small, teardrop-shaped dark green leaves on short, dense stems that form tight clusters. Reaching 2 to 4 inches in total height, it serves as a scaled midground accent for nano tanks or a detailed gap-filler for hardscape. Like all epiphytes, it attaches directly to rock or wood via rhizome. It grows slowly under low light, tolerates a wide range of water parameters, and thrives submerged in aquariums or emersed in humid terrariums.
Key Features & Benefits
- The mid-sized green foliage serves as a transition plant between tiny foreground varieties and larger background species.
- Its thick and leathery leaves are highly resilient against curious or herbivorous fish.
- This incredibly hardy specimen easily adapts to a wide variety of water conditions.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Attach to hardscape using aquarium‑safe glue or thread; keep the rhizome above substrate to prevent rot.
- Maintain stable conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce leaf loss.
- Avoid intense light and ensure good water flow to prevent spot algae on slow‑growing leaves.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth and leaf density.
- Learn more about planting these species by reading our guide on How to Plant Epiphyte Aquatic Plants.
- Master long-term care and propagation with the article All About Anubias Aquarium Plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Bonsai, Anubias Nana Bonsai |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground, Midground Crevices, Hardscape Filler |
| Height / Size | 2-4 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow (1 leaf every 2-3 weeks) |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Separate by Rhizome Division |
| Origin | West Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Anubias Nana Bonsai?
Attach the plant directly to driftwood or rocks using aquarium-safe super glue gel, thread, or fishing line. Keep the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot.
2. Does it require CO2 or high lighting?
No. It thrives in low to moderate lighting without CO2 injection. While adding CO2 speeds up growth and foliage density, it thrives happily in low-tech aquariums, making it a beginner-friendly plant.
3. Is this plant safe for shrimp, snails, and fish?
Yes, Anubias Nana Bonsai is 100% safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp (including sensitive Caridina and Neocaridina), and snails. Its tough leaves are also resistant to plant-eating fish like cichlids or goldfish.