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Form of Anubias barteri

Anubias minima

Anubias barteri var. glabra

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

Also known as Anubias barteri var. glabra 'Minima', Anubias 'Kruising', Anubias glabra, Anubias lanceolata, Anubias angustifolia, Anubias angustapoglia, Anubias apheli, Anubias barteri var. angustifolia, Anubias lanceolata f. angustifolia, Anubias heterophylla 'Lanceolata'

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias minima (Anubias barteri var. glabra)
en:User:Tsunamicarlos · Public domain

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
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
5.0–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa (Guinea to Gabon)

Overview

Anubias minima is a narrow-leaved anubias that grows to around 10 to 20 cm. It makes a useful accent for the midground or larger hardscape, and it is very easy to keep.

Did you know

Anubias minima is not a species of its own. It is also sold under names like 'Kruising', so two plants with different labels on the same shelf can be the exact same variety.

Caring for Anubias minima

Tie or glue the rhizome to wood or rock and keep it above the substrate, where it cannot rot. Anubias minima spreads as it grows, so give it room on the hardscape.

It is tolerant of low light and needs no CO2, though moderate light fills it out a bit more. Hard or soft water both suit it, anywhere from pH 5 to 8, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). It feeds through its roots and from the water, so a liquid fertilizer covers it.

Growth is slow, and the plant rarely needs trimming. To make more plants, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each and tie each one down.

Good to know

Anubias minima is a trade name for small plants imported from Cameroon that are botanically Anubias barteri var. glabra. Chevalier's original name, Anubias minima, is a synonym of that variety. The dark green leaves are narrow-lanceolate and held rather horizontally, with wavy edges and blades roughly 12 cm long. It is often confused with the similar narrow-leaf var. angustifolia, sold as Anubias lanceolata.

In the wild

Anubias minima grows wild in West Africa from Guinea to Gabon. It sits on rocks in the flood zones of rainforest streams, where the water level rises and falls. It anchors to the rock rather than rooting in soil, and it lives both submersed and emersed.

Common questions

Is Anubias minima a different species from Anubias barteri?

No. Anubias minima is a form of Anubias barteri. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in difficulty, hardness, feeding, pH and spread.

Does Anubias minima need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias minima 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 minima need CO2?

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

How much light does Anubias minima need?

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

Does Anubias minima need root tabs?

No. Anubias minima 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 minima?

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

How tall does Anubias minima grow?

Anubias minima grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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