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READ ME: Our aquarium plants vary in growth forms and will require time to transition to submerged or emersed conditions. We do our best to clean and inspect all plants prior to shipping but do not guarantee them to be snail free unless tissue culture is purchased.
Tissue culture plants are cultivated in sterile lab settings ensuring your plant is free from pests, snails and algae! These are young specimen that are grown in emersed forms. Gel should always be removed prior to planting.
Live plants are susceptible to stress and damage from transit. - This may appear in the form of minimal melt, leaf loss, cosmetic damage, etc. Refunds or replacements will not be issued for plants with viable root systems or that die out of our care.
Anubias Nana Petite is arguably the most popular variation of Anubias used in the planted aquarium hobby. Easily recognized for its smaller foliage and rich green tones, Anubias Nana Petite is commonly used in planted aquariums of all styles. This variation of Anubias retains a bulletproof reputation in being an aquarium plant where effort is required to kill it. This quality makes it a fantastic choice for beginner aquarists who are building confidence with keeping live aquatic plants in the aquarium. At the same time, the overall appearance is equally loved by seasoned experts who have been keeping planted tanks for some time. Anubias Nana Petite requires seldom maintenance and is very easy to care for. This aquarium plant is typically available in plentiful portions making it a great filler where coverage is needed. Like most Anubias, Anubias Nana Petite will tolerate a wide range of aquarium conditions and also has the ability to thrive in both aquarium and terrarium-like enclosures.
Anubias Nana Petite will sometimes produce blooms and is an epiphytic grower, meaning it can be easily attached to aquarium driftwood and stones. Low to medium light is sufficient, but the addition of CO2 injection and a nutrient source will produce a noticeable difference in growth and overall health. Propagation may be done by gently separating plants from the rhizome and reattaching or replanting.
Common Name
Anubias Petite Anubias Nana Petite
Care
Easy
Lighting
Low
CO2
Optional
Suggested Placement
Attach to wood or stone
Propagation
Separate rhizome
Growth Rate
Slow to Moderate
Leaf Size
2-5"
A Complete Guide to Aquatic Epiphytes & Rhizomes
Aquarium epiphytes are unique plants that grow very different from stem plants like Rotala or carpeting plants like Micranthemum Monte Carlo. These gems are special, sprouting leaves and growing roots from a thick, horizontal stem known as a rhizome. This stem acts as the plant’s central energy hub, and ensuring its good health is integral for a happy plant.
The term rhizome plant is a coined nickname for various aquatic plants that share the structure and growing pattern. We’re talking about our Anubias, Bucephalandra and Java Ferns, to name a few big ones. If you’re looking to grow any of these in your aquascape, keep reading! We’ll cover planting, attaching techniques, the best tools to keep handy, care tips, how to identify common issues and how to address them.
Wedged Anubias Chili Jalapeno naturally rooted to hardscape after a year
How to Plant and Attach Aquarium Epiphytes
Working with aquatic epiphytes is a little different from stems and rosette plants, but this is what makes them great for new hobbyists. Instead of planting them in aquasoil, you can attach these to whatever aquarium decor you’d like. In the aquascaping world, decor usually means driftwood, stones or other decor.
A common mistake is treating it like other aquatic plants and burying the rhizome in the substrate. While it may seem counterintuitive, doing this suffocates the rhizome and starves it of light, eventually resulting in damages that can kill the plant if it isn’t corrected. Keep your rhizomes above surface and exposed! Here are the best methods for planting and attaching these.Â
Tie it down: Get some natural cotton thread or clear fishing line. Position the plant and when you’re ready, wrap it around several times or until it’s secure. Your wrap should be tight enough that it won’t fall off or float away, but there should be, some wiggle room so the plant isn’t cut into and has space to naturally attach. Once this happens, you can remove the thread if preferred.
Glue it in place: Grab some aquarium-safe superglue (cyanoacrylate). The gel-type is more precise and better for this method. Dab a small amount on the desired spot, then press the rhizome gently in place and hold it for a few seconds. Remember! A little goes a long way—Using too much can damage the rhizome. It also cures white and will be noticeable when you fill your tank.
Wedge it into hardscape gaps: Natural driftwood and stones are loaded with texture and natural crevices that are prime spots for aquarium epiphytes. Pick your favorites and gently wedge your plants in. They will eventually understand the assignment and latch on. This option is most natural and will take the longest, but it’s our favorite! (Let nature unfold ;D)
Lighting, Care & Growth Tips for Freshwater Epiphytes
We hope you’re feeling confident! Now, let’s talk about general care and how to propagate aquarium epiphytes - they’re arguably some of the easiest to grow and maintain. You have too much Anubias, said no one ever.
Lighting: Most epiphyte plants grow at a snail’s pace. Keeping lighting gentle is the move if you have your plants in a low-tech planted tank. This will help maintain steady growth and avoid algae issues. However, we want to emphasize that they can be beautiful additions in high-tech planted aquariums. The difference is that these tanks usually include CO2 injection and faster-growing aquarium plants that absorb nutrients with ease to outcompete algae and keep it at bay where it belongs. Determine what you have in your aquarium, and go from there. Making adjustments along the way is part of the fun.
Maintenance: Probably one of the most attractive qualities. Maintenance is almost non-existent and most of the time, very little needs to be done. Aquarium epiphytes are the equivalent of concrete plants—no fuss. Just make sure to regularly monitor their growth by looking at them. Remove yellowing or melting leaves to help redirect its energy to producing new growth rather than repairing damages. If you notice debris or algae on leaves, use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove it. We like using a toothbrush.
Propagation: To propagate your aquatic epiphytes, simply cut the rhizome into sections. When you’re deciding where to cut, make sure each section has some healthy roots and a leaf or two for best results. Before you do this, consider investing in a quality set of aquascaping tools to make this and a lot of similar planted tank tasks easier in the future. Using a dull blade can crush or damage plant tissue and that’s what we don’t want. Once you have your sections, choose your favorite method for reattaching.
Bucephalandra and Anubias self-attached to driftwood
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though they're hardy, they're not immune to issues—especially in new setups. Here's a quick-reference cheat sheet for spotting and addressing the most common problems.
Rhizome Rot
Symptoms: The rhizome is squishy or has an unpleasant smell Causes: Improper planting/attaching (keep your rhizomes exposed!) What you can do: Check the full length of the rhizome. Healthy sections should be green and firm. Remove affected areas and replant it using your preferred method.
Yellow, Holes or Melting Leaves
Symptoms: Your plant has a lot of discolored or translucent leaves Causes: Check that your aquarium is fully cycled and has plenty of good beneficial bacteria. This can also be caused by lack of nutrients or natural aging as the plant works to produce new growth. What you can do: Reread our section on maintenance! You can check your water parameters, but we typically don't unless there are more serious issues present. Lastly, introduce a gentle aquarium liquid fertilizer for a boost.
Algae on Leaves
Symptoms: Green, brown or black fuzzy buildup on leaf edges Causes: Strong lighting, high bio-load, tank placement What you can do: Adjust your light settings. Want it bright? Reduce the duration they're on. Think about when you last cleaned your filter! How's the flow? Make sure you didn't place your plant in a dead spot (an area of the tank that receives little to no flow) If you've checked the boxes, remove visible algae and be consistent with water changes.
BEFORE
AFTER
Java Fern 'Trident Mini' wedged in between Malaysian Driftwood after 8 months of growth with CO2 injection
And that’s a wrap! Aquatic epiphytes are some of the best beginner-friendly options in the aquarium hobby. They’re easy to work with, come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and are incredibly forgiving. No matter your skill level, rhizome plants are sure to become a staple for you. Now that you know how to identify, plant, care for and troubleshoot issues that may arise, all that’s left is choosing the right ones for your aquascape. Still deciding? Check out our full collection or reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Shipping Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.
To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.
Returns If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.
Refunds No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.
