How to Propagate Anubias Nana Petite: Rhizome Division Guide

Anubias Nana Petite is one of the most popular plants in aquascaping, yet many hobbyists hesitate to divide it — worried they will kill a slow-growing specimen they have nurtured for months. This propagate anubias nana petite guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park, Singapore, demystifies the process. Rhizome division is straightforward, low-risk, and the only reliable way to multiply your stock of Anubias barteri var. nana “Petite” without spending $8-$15 per new portion at your local aquarium shop.

When to Divide

Patience is the first rule. Only divide a rhizome that has grown to at least 8-10 leaves across a length of 4-5 cm. Cutting a smaller plant risks weakening both halves to the point of melt. Healthy growth signs include firm, dark green leaves free of algae, visible root development along the rhizome, and a steady output of at least one new leaf every two to three weeks. If your Anubias has stalled or is showing yellowing leaves, address the underlying issue — usually insufficient nutrients or excessive light — before attempting division.

Tools You Need

A sharp, clean blade is essential. Aquascaping scissors, a single-edge razor blade, or a sterilised craft knife all work. Dull tools crush plant tissue rather than cutting cleanly, inviting rot. Sterilise your blade with rubbing alcohol or a brief dip in boiling water before use. You will also need tweezers or planting forceps, superglue gel (cyanoacrylate), and a small piece of hardscape — rock or driftwood — to attach the new division.

How to Cut the Rhizome

Remove the entire Anubias from the tank and place it on a wet paper towel to prevent drying. Identify the natural midpoint of the rhizome where you want to divide. Each resulting section must have at least three to four leaves and some root growth. Position your blade perpendicular to the rhizome and make a single, decisive cut. Avoid sawing back and forth — one clean slice minimises tissue damage. The cut surface will appear pale green and slightly moist. This is normal and heals within a few days underwater.

Attaching the New Division

Anubias must never be buried in substrate — a buried rhizome rots and dies. Instead, attach each division to hardscape. Apply a small dot of superglue gel to the underside of the rhizome and press it firmly onto a rock or piece of driftwood for 15-20 seconds. The glue cures on contact with water and is completely aquarium-safe once set. Alternatively, use cotton thread or fishing line to tie the division in place; remove the thread once roots have gripped the surface, typically within four to six weeks.

Post-Division Care

Return both sections to the aquarium and resist the urge to move them for at least two weeks. New root growth needs time to anchor. Anubias Nana Petite is a slow grower under any conditions, typically producing one new leaf every 10-20 days. Moderate lighting of 30-50 PAR at the leaf surface is ideal — higher intensity promotes algae growth on the broad leaves faster than the plant can outcompete it. Liquid fertilisation with iron and micronutrients supports healthy leaf colour. CO2 injection is beneficial but not essential for this undemanding species.

Avoiding Rhizome Rot

Rot is the primary risk after division. Signs include a mushy, brown rhizome and leaves that yellow and detach easily. Prevention is simple: ensure the rhizome sits above the substrate with good water circulation around it, use a sterile cutting tool, and never cut through a section that already shows any discolouration. If rot appears on one end, trim the affected portion back to firm, healthy tissue immediately. A small dab of superglue over the fresh cut can seal it and slow further decay.

Maximising Your Yield

A single purchased Anubias Nana Petite portion can become four to six divisions within 12-18 months if grown under optimal conditions. Attaching mother plants to nutrient-rich driftwood accelerates growth slightly, as roots absorb organic compounds from decomposing wood. In Singapore’s warm water (27-30°C), growth rates are moderate — faster than in cooler tanks but slower than dedicated CO2-injected setups running at 24-25°C. Each successful division saves you the cost of buying another portion, making this one of the most economical ways to fill an aquascape over time.

Using Divisions in Aquascaping

Small Nana Petite divisions are perfect for filling gaps in rock crevices, decorating the base of driftwood branches, and creating lush foreground detail in nano tanks. Their compact leaf size — each leaf barely 1-2 cm long — provides scale that makes small aquascapes appear larger. Cluster three to four divisions in a tight group for immediate visual impact, or space them out and let them grow together naturally over several months. Either approach benefits from the propagation skills covered in this propagate anubias nana petite guide, turning one plant into an entire design element.

Related Reading

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• Anubias Nana Golden Care Guide: Yellow-Green Accent Plant
• Anubias Barteri Round Leaf Care Guide: Broad Circular Foliage
• Anubias Barteri var. Glabra Care Guide: Narrow Lance-Shaped Leaves
• Anubias Coffeefolia Care Guide: Textured Leaves Like Coffee