What is Anubias Nana Petite?
Anubias nana petite is a small, low-growing species of aquatic plant that is native to West Africa. It is a popular aquarium plant due to its hardiness, attractive foliage, and ease of care. This species of Anubias grows slowly, reaching a height of 6-8 inches, and has round, dark green leaves that can reach up to 2 inches in diameter. It prefers to be planted in substrate or attached to driftwood or rocks, and is often used as a mid-ground or background plant in aquariums.
Can Anubias Nana Petite Grow Floating?
The short answer is yes, Anubias Nana Petite can grow floating. However, it is not recommended as it does not do as well when floating as it does when planted in substrate or attached to driftwood or rock. The reason for this is that Anubias Nana Petite needs its roots to be kept moist and to be able to access nutrients from the substrate, which is not possible when the plant is floating. Additionally, floating Anubias Nana Petite will not look as lush and full as when it is planted.
Benefits of Floating Anubias Nana Petite
Despite not being recommended, there are some benefits to floating Anubias Nana Petite. For one, it helps to keep the water clean as it will absorb excess nutrients, thus reducing the amount of algae in the aquarium. Additionally, it can provide hiding spots for small fish, and can be used to cool down the water temperature in the tank. Lastly, it is easier to maintain when floating as it does not need to be planted in substrate or attached to driftwood or rock.
Drawbacks of Floating Anubias Nana Petite
The main drawback of floating Anubias Nana Petite is that it will not grow as lush and full as when it is planted. Additionally, it will not be able to access the nutrients from the substrate, which it needs to grow and stay healthy. Finally, it is more likely to be affected by algae growth as it will be exposed to more light when floating.
Tips for Floating Anubias Nana Petite
If you decide to float Anubias Nana Petite, here are some tips to help you keep it healthy:
- Trim the plant regularly to prevent it from getting too large and affecting water quality.
- Use a floating plant basket or other container to keep the plant contained.
- Check regularly for signs of algae growth and remove it promptly.
- Do not leave the plant in direct sunlight as this can cause it to become stressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anubias Nana Petite can be grown floating, but it is not recommended as it will not grow as lush and full, and will not have access to the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. There are some benefits to floating Anubias Nana Petite, such as helping to keep the water clean and providing hiding spots for small fish, but these benefits should be weighed against the drawbacks before deciding to float this plant. If you decide to float Anubias Nana Petite, be sure to follow the tips outlined above to ensure it remains healthy and grows properly.