Description
Anubias Minima Variegated
Anubias Minima Variegated is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a hardy, visually appealing plant that thrives with minimal care. Its slow growth and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Tissue culture plants are grown in vitro from a state of the art laboratory specialized in propagating aquatic plants. This means you can enjoy strong and healthy plants free from pests and diseases from the start.
Overview
Anubias Minima Variegated is a compact, slow-growing aquatic plant prized for its striking green leaves with creamy-white or yellowish variegation. A cultivar of Anubias barteri, it’s popular in aquariums for its hardiness, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Its small size (typically 10-15 cm tall) makes it ideal for foreground or midground placement in aquascapes. Native to West Africa, it thrives in low-light, low-tech setups, making it beginner-friendly.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Low to moderate (10–40 µmol PAR). Excessive light can cause algae growth on leaves.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–28°C.
- pH: 6.0–8.0.
- Hardiness: Tolerates soft to hard water (GH 2–15).
Substrate: Not required; prefers attachment to hardscape (rocks, driftwood) or loose substrate.
Nutrients: Minimal; benefits from liquid fertilizers or root tabs sparingly. CO2 supplementation is optional.
CO2: Not necessary, though low CO2 injection (5–10 ppm) can promote slightly faster growth.
Tank Requirements: Suitable for nano tanks (20 lites) to large aquariums.
Flow: Low to moderate water flow to prevent debris buildup on leaves.
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Do not bury the rhizome (horizontal stem) in substrate, as it can rot. Attach to driftwood, rocks, or decor using fishing line, thread, or glue until roots anchor naturally. Place in shaded areas for best variegation.
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with a clean, sharp blade, ensuring each section has 3–4 leaves and healthy roots. Reattach divisions to hardscape. Growth is slow, so patience is key.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Gently wipe leaves with a soft cloth or rinse during water changes to remove algae or debris.
- Pruning: Trim dead or yellowing leaves close to the rhizome to encourage new growth.
- Water Changes: Regular 10–20% weekly water changes maintain water quality.
- Monitoring: Check for rhizome rot (soft, mushy texture) and remove affected sections promptly.
Challenges and Tips
- Algae Growth: Common in high-light setups. Reduce light intensity or duration (6–8 hours daily).
- Rhizome Rot: Caused by burying the rhizome too deep or poor water quality. Ensure proper planting and maintain good tank hygiene.
- Slow Growth: Expected, but nutrient deficiencies can slow it further. Supplement with low-dose fertilizers if needed.
- Use low-light plants like Java Fern or Cryptocoryne as tank mates to balance the aquascape.
- Avoid high-flow areas to prevent leaf damage.
- Quarantine new plants to prevent introducing pests or algae.
- Variegation may fade in poor conditions; ensure stable parameters for vibrant colouration.
Recommendation
- Placement: Foreground or midground; attach to driftwood or rocks for a natural look.
- Tank Mates: Compatible with peaceful fish (tetras, rasboras, guppies) and invertebrates like snails, which help clean algae. Avoid aggressive fish that may nibble leaves.
- Aquascaping: Pair with mosses or carpeting plants for a lush, low-maintenance setup.
