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Form of Anubias barteri

Anubias Micro

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Micro'

One of 29 forms of Anubias barteri · See all forms →

Also known as Anubias barteri 'Micro', Anubias nana 'Micro', Anubias 'Micro', Dwarf Anubias Micro

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Forms · Anubias barteri

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Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
1.2 in
3 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
A dwarf cultivated selection of Anubias nana, whose parent species grow attached to wood and rock in the streams of West and Central Africa.

Overview

Anubias Micro is one of the smallest anubias forms, sitting below the popular Petite in size. It is a favorite for nano aquascapes and fine detail on hardscape, and it is undemanding.

Did you know

Anubias Micro has the tough, bitter leaves of every anubias. Plant-eating fish and crayfish that shred softer plants usually leave it alone.

Caring for Anubias Micro

Glue or tie the rhizome to small stones or wood, and keep it exposed so it does not rot. Dwarf forms like Micro are slightly more delicate than standard anubias, so stable water helps.

Anubias Micro grows in low light with no added CO2. It feeds from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer is the way to feed it. A little added light and nutrients speed up its slow pace.

Growth stays slow either way, and the plant rarely needs trimming. To make more, cut the rhizome into pieces with a few leaves each and attach every piece on its own.

Good to know

Anubias Micro is a dwarf selection of Anubias barteri var. nana, also sold as Anubias nana 'Micro'. Its leaves stay under a centimeter and a half, with the same dark green look as its nana parent on a miniature scale. Like all anubias it grows from a horizontal rhizome that stores energy. Dwarf selections like Micro keep both the rhizome and the leaves tiny, but behave like their full-sized parent in every other way.

In the wild

Anubias Micro is a cultivated selection with no wild population of its own. Its parent species grow attached to wood and rock in the streams of West and Central Africa.

Common questions

Is Anubias Micro a different species from Anubias barteri?

No. Anubias Micro is a form of Anubias barteri. It reaches about 1.2 in (3 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in difficulty and spread.

Does Anubias Micro need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias Micro grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does Anubias Micro need CO2?

No. Anubias Micro grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Anubias Micro need?

Anubias Micro is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Anubias Micro need root tabs?

No. Anubias Micro feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Anubias Micro?

Anubias Micro propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Anubias Micro grow?

Anubias Micro grows to about 1.2 in (3 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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