Pick the Most Beneficial Plant: Anubias Nana Vs Anubias Petite

Choosing between Anubias Nana and Petite can be difficult because they are quite similar to each other. However, there are a few differences between them that largely impact your tank environment.

And deciding on what’s the best among these two is absolutely crucial for your planted tank. 

So, what are the differences when it comes to anubias nana vs anubias petite?

Well, the first and foremost difference is the leaf size. Nana has quarter-sized leaves and petite has dime-sized leaves. And because nana has bigger leaves so your planted tank needs to be at least 10-gallon in size. Conversely, petite can be added to tanks of any size. Lastly, nana requires low to moderate lighting while petite requires low lighting.

Following by, we’ve elaborated on the two plants in detail. Therefore, let’s go along through the rest of it if you’ve got some time to spare. 

But you’re already excited about the result then jump to this section directly.

Difference Between Anubias Nana and Anubias Nana Petite

You might wonder if there are any differences between anubias nana and nana petite. And we understand why you’re thinking that.

However, this kind of confusion is not likely to be raised when java moss ball and marimo are compared. Because they are two totally different species.

Yet, even though these two plants are under one genus and family, these two have some differences. Furthermore, anubias petite or anubias nana petite is actually one of the varieties of nana.  

However, they indeed have some specific unique characteristics and qualities which set them apart-

That’s not the end of it. We still have a head-to-toe comparison to offer you. So, let’s just pounce into it!

Anubias Nana Petite Vs Anubias Nana- Detailed Comparison

Now that you have the basic idea about the differences between nana and nana petite, it’s time to extend your knowledge. Here, we’ve discussed the differences along with some other facts.

Leaves 

Anubias nana also known as anubias barteri var. nana is bigger than petite.

The size of the leaves plays the main role in making them look larger. In the beginning, the leaves of a nana plant can be small just like the leaves of petite.

But, as time goes by, nana grows into a bigger plant with bigger leaves.

So, if we talk about the anubias nana and petite size– it can be 2” wide and 5-8” high for nana. And 1” wide and 1-2” high for nana petite.  So, yeah petite is basically the smaller version of anubias nana.

Next, if we focus on the quantity then anubias nana petite has more leaves by the inch of the rhizome/modified stem. It has around 10-15 leaves while anubias nana has 5-6.

Still, in the end, even after growing fully the anubias nana petite size remains smaller than the size of nana.

Now, you might think anubias nana might be great for fishes as it’s bigger in size. Well, you’re absolutely right! 

Let’s take a look at the benefits of anubias in aquarium-

Anubias nana is a great hiding spot for your shy fishes. Fishes can even lay eggs on the big leaves of this plant. So, yup your fishes will love anubias nana. Furthermore, anubias nana can work as a great cleaning agent for your tank. This plant not only helps circulate the oxygenation process but also makes the chemical filtration system better.

On the contrary, anubias petite isn’t that helpful when it comes to fishes. And compared to nana, it doesn’t have that much impact on the oxygenation and chemical filtration process. 

So, you definitely need to give anubias nana some extra points.

However, if you already got Anubias Petite in your tank use any of the following oxygenation pumps for better oxygenation and filtration-

Winner: Anubias Nana

Tank Size

Now that you’ve got the idea of the size of the plants, let’s proceed towards the size of the tank.

Well, it’s often seen that nana has restrictions when it comes to small tanks. For example, you can’t add an anubias nana in a nano tank. You can only buy the plant if you’ve got a 10-gallon tank or bigger.

In reverse, you can easily grow a nana petite in any tank. Just make sure the other floating plants are in one place and allow anubias nana and petite sufficient space and light. You can even grow petite in a big planted tank. No restrictions at all! 

Therefore, if you’ve got a Nano tank then go for the nana petite as it has an upper hand here.

Winner: Nana Petite

Versatility

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Both Anubias Nana and petite are versatile plants. These plants can be grown in submerged underwater conditions. But also do extremely well when raised emersed.

Thus, it implies both of these plants can be used for fish tanks and terrariums as well. However, you just need to make sure they always stay wet.

Another plus point is they don’t grow algae much frequently and grow faster. That’s these are cost-efficient plants as well.

Moreover, Nana Petite can also be used in such arrangements where other plants naturally don’t outlast. For instance, in a goldfish bowl or tank. You see, maximum plants become the food for these fishes. But as Nana Petite is tougher than any other aquatic plant the fishes can not chew on easily.

• Tip: Use the Co2 Atomizer to deliver the appropriate humid condition for growing emersed plants like Anubias!

Tankmates

When it is about the tankmates, Anubias Nana is an extremely easygoing plant. Nearly any fish and invertebrate should be okay with them. The wide leaves furnish a superb covering zone for timid fish and algae-eating snails.

Also, shrimp will gladly feed on any algae development that may arise.

However, on the other side, Nana petite leaves are slightly smaller than the Nana leaves. So, they might not offer a friendly environment as much as a Nana can.

Winner: Anubias Nana

Nutrition Intake

Well, Anubias Nana does not require a special diet or fertilizer. These plants can thrive with the nitrates acquired by them from fish waste. If you feed them additional compost and expose them to daylight, flowering should be revved.

However, if you’re gonna push this acceleration process, it is crucial to accomplish it gradually. Because spare nutrients can support the expansion of algae and bugs. Also, if you feed them excessively there is the chance of harmfully increasing the level of CO2.

So, this can eventually can induce oxygen issues and blood clots in fish. Although, an overabundance of CO2 pushes them to grow quickly, but restricts the dealings of gases. So, to be on the safer side use Jardli Glass CO2 Drop Checker to find out co2 level at a glance.

On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain phosphate levels down if you expose your Nana petite to more sunlight. Because a mess of phosphate can encourage algae settlements.

As it is a slow-growing plant, filamentous algae can discover a lodging among its leaves to straddle. A sound fix is to keep an algae eater red cherry shrimp in your aquarium.

Winner: Tie

Care

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Anubias nana and anubias nana petite care levels are the same as they are both slow-growing plants. The level is considered to be easy. And that’s one of the reasons why more than 50% of beginners use either of these two plants for their gardening hobby.

So, let’s find out about Anubias nana care-

To properly take care of these plants, you’ll need to know some factors. You have to keep these factors in check for not only anubias petite and nana but also plants like- dwarf hair grass, hornwort, etc.

Because these factors can ensure an ideal water condition for a plant to grow in. The proper or ideal level of these factors varies from plant to plant. This variation implies in this anubias nana vs anubias nana petite conflict as well. 

pH Level

pH level is a very important part of not only growing plants but also for the fish. Do you know the ideal pH level of a planted tank or aquarium? 

Well, if you didn’t know we’ll let you know the number right now! So, the ideal level is around 6.5-7.8. Now let’s look at the pH levels of both plants, shall we?

Firstly, the anubias nana ph level-

For anubias nana, the water pH level should be 6 to 7.5. A little here or there and your nana plant might not grow properly. What do you think? Is the level of nana close to the ideal pH level?

It most certainly is! Which makes it easier for you to manage your planted tank if you add anubias nana.

In contrast, nana petite requires a pH level of 5.5 to 8 which is not that close to the ideal level. But nana petite can grow in a wide range of water conditions. So, the little plant can grow in the 6.5 to 7.8 pH level as well. Some people tend to add aquarium salt to their tanks.

This might make you wonder- does aquarium salt kill anubias?

Not really. Unlike other aquarium plants, Anubias plants are capable of adapting to a brackish tank environment. However, they can only tolerate low-level salt when planted underwater.

Regardless, the pH level can rise and fall because of fish wastes and algae. Therefore, you have to use a pH meter to keep the pH level in check for both plants. 

We’ve mentioned some of the pH meters you should use-

Now, just use the meters and keep your plants in a healthy environment!

Winner: Anubias Petite

Lighting and Temperature 

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No plant can grow without the help of light. It’s a very crucial factor for growing a plant. Both of the anubias plants can do well in low light. They are known to be low-light plants.

However, anubias nana can sometimes act as medium-light plants. Let’s take a look at the anubias nana light requirements–

Well, some of the plant lovers might want to put anubias nana at the bottom of the tank and the bottom plants need more light. Hence, the bottom-placed nana needs medium lighting. On that note, you can use a medium intensity of a full spectrum LED light. 

On the contrary, for anubias petite nana, you don’t need to follow any strict planted tank lighting rules. They do fine under desk lamps as well. You can easily grow this plant by using a low/medium intensity LED light.

We’ve specified the amount of light they both need according to PAR rating and lumen per square meter-

Plants	Lighting intensity (PAR rating)	Light Intensity (Lumen per square meter)
Anubias Nana	15-50 micromoles	207-1614 LUX
Anubias Nana Petite	15-35 micromoles	207-807 LUX

So, if you want to add any of the two plants to your tank then you need to buy the right intensity light.

Here are some of our favorite LED lights- 

Lighting and temperature go hand in hand. That’s why setting the lights in a fish tank must be accurate. If you increase one the other one increases as well.

So, what’s the ideal anubias nana temperature?

Nana can do well in between 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Then when it comes to the anubias nana petite temperature level, well it’s about 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit. And you should know the ideal temperature level for a planted tank as well to compare which one is a better addition, right?

Well, the ideal temperature level is 73-81 degrees Fahrenheit. So, which plant gets the upper hand here? 

Yup, anubias nana gets the point. Now, as we’ve mentioned, it’s essential to keep the temperature ideal to ensure proper growth. That’s why you have to check it from time to time.

You can use a temperature meter or thermometers to make things easier for yourself. We recommend using these temperature meters-

So, you don’t have to stress about the temperature anymore as you have a thermometer to keep it in check.

Winner: Anubias Nana

Anubias Nana Vs Petite: Result

Now that you’ve gone through the detailed comparison which plant do you prefer now? 

If you’re still a bit confused then you might want our opinion. This is why we arranged this segment to help you out.

Both of the plants will give your plant a fresh and elegant look. And there are countless varieties.

However, you should make up your own mind now. We’ve tried our best to provide you with all the necessary information. Now it’s your call!

Tips on Planting Both Plants

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So, you’ve picked the anubias plant that suits you and your tank. But now you’re clueless about the planting process?

Well, no need to worry! Because we’re here to help you with that as well. Moreover, the planting process is the same for both of these Anubias types.

Here, we’ve mentioned some helpful tips that you can use while planting your anubias plant-

• Anubias nana and anubias petite won’t do well if you use them as floating plants like Salvinia or frogbit. That’s why you need to use soft substrates such as sand for the planting process.
• You can’t bury the rhizome of the plants in the substrate. If you do that, the innocent plant will rot and die instead of growing and thriving. Instead, you can attach them to driftwood, rocks, or any decor of your choice. And then put them in the tank.
• To attach the plant, you have to use a fishing line or cotton. After being attached the plant will settle in that place through its rhizome. 
• Lastly, you have to make sure that you’re using a good-quality home-made soil substrate. Because a good-quality substrate ensures a good-quality plant.

Well, do watch the following video to know how to attach Anubias to driftwood and rock–

Now you can confidently say that you know almost everything about these two plants. So, just relax and watch your chosen anubias grow happily in your tank!

FAQs

Are anubias low light plants?

Yes, both the anubias plants are tolerant of low lights. However, anubias nana might require medium lighting sometimes if the tank is too deep. You need to provide light for at least 8-9 hours for both the plants. 

How to propagate anubias nana petite?

It’s pretty easy to propagate anubias nana petite and nana. All you need is sharp and sterilized scissors. Then cut a stem from the fully grown plant and place it on the substrate. It’s better if you place it elsewhere and leave 3-4 leaves on the stem. New plants will start growing within a few weeks.

How long does it take to anubias nana golden or nana to get attached to the driftwood?

It takes at least 1-2 months. The duration is the same for almost every anubias plant. But you have to give the plant proper nutrition. Only then you’ll see a healthy rhizome bulge out 1-3 leaves per 3 inches of the rhizome every month.

Endnote

That’s all we had for you on anubias nana vs anubias petite. We’ve provided both similarities and differences in our comparison guide. 

Which plant do you prefer?

Let us know by commenting down below. Thank you for your patience and happy gardening!