Anubias Nana Petite Vs Mini Coin – The Definitive Guide To Choosing

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever find yourself staring at two nearly identical tiny green plants for your aquarium, completely stumped? You’re not alone. When it comes to creating those lush, detailed foregrounds or accenting a piece of driftwood, the world of nano Anubias is a treasure trove. But it also presents a classic aquascaper’s dilemma.

I see it all the time. You want that perfect, miniature, hardy plant, and you’ve narrowed it down to two top contenders. This is where the great anubias nana petite vs mini coin debate begins. They both look incredible, they’re both famously easy to care for, and they both promise to add that professional touch to your aquascape.

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand the subtle yet crucial differences between these two plants, but you’ll also know with absolute confidence which one is the perfect fit for your vision and your tank. We’ll break down their appearance, growth habits, and care needs, giving you all the tools to make the right choice.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect tiny treasure for your underwater world!

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction to Two Tiny Titans

Before we put them head-to-head, let’s get properly acquainted. Both of these plants belong to the Anubias genus, a family of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants from Africa known for their incredible resilience. They are true epiphytes, which is a fancy way of saying they prefer to grow attached to surfaces like rock or wood rather than being planted in substrate.

Anubias barteri var. ‘Nana Petite’

Often just called Anubias Nana Petite, this plant is the undisputed king of nano aquascaping. It’s a cultivated variant of the larger Anubias barteri var. nana. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for aquarists wanting a dense, low-growing, and virtually indestructible plant. Its reputation is built on its hardiness and its classic, deep green, spear-shaped leaves.

Anubias barteri var. ‘Mini Coin’

The newcomer on the block, Anubias ‘Mini Coin’ (sometimes called ‘Coin Leaf’), is a more recent cultivar that has taken the hobby by storm. As its name suggests, its defining feature is its charming, round, coin-like leaves. It offers a different texture and aesthetic compared to the more traditional pointed leaves of other Anubias varieties, making it a highly sought-after specimen.

Visual Showdown: Anubias Nana Petite vs Mini Coin at a Glance

At first glance, they’re both just small, green plants. But for an aquascaper, the details are everything. The visual difference is the number one reason you’ll choose one over the other. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for.

Leaf Shape: The Telltale Difference

This is the most obvious distinction and the primary factor in your decision. Think of it this way:

  • Anubias Nana Petite: Has small, pointed, spear-shaped or ovate leaves. They look like miniature versions of the classic Anubias nana leaf, creating a dense, rich, and slightly wild-looking texture.
  • Anubias ‘Mini Coin’: Features distinctly round, almost perfectly circular leaves. This creates a softer, more uniform, and somewhat “neater” appearance in an aquascape. It’s a completely different vibe.

Leaf Size and Color

Both plants have tiny leaves, but there are subtle variations. Nana Petite leaves typically range from 0.5 to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long. Mini Coin leaves are usually on the smaller end of that spectrum, often staying under 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter, which contributes to their delicate look.

Color-wise, both sport a beautiful, deep green. However, new leaves on Mini Coin can sometimes appear a slightly lighter, more vibrant green before they mature and darken. Both maintain their rich color even in low-light conditions, which is a huge plus.

Overall Growth Form

Both plants grow from a central, horizontal stem called a rhizome. Don’t worry, we’ll talk more about this crucial part later! From this rhizome, leaves grow upwards on short stems, and roots grow downwards to anchor the plant.

Nana Petite tends to grow in an extremely dense, compact clump. The leaves overlap closely, making it fantastic for creating thick, lush bushes. Mini Coin also grows compactly, but its round leaves on thin stems can sometimes give it a slightly more open, “bubbly” appearance.

Growth Habits and Placement: Where Do They Shine?

Understanding how these plants grow will help you place them effectively. This is a key part of our anubias nana petite vs mini coin guide because proper placement is half the battle won.

Growth Rate: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Let’s be clear: all Anubias are slow growers. This is actually one of their biggest benefits! You won’t be constantly trimming them back. They might only produce one new leaf every few weeks, or even slower in low-tech tanks.

Between the two, Mini Coin is often reported to be slightly slower growing than Nana Petite. This makes it an exceptional choice for very small nano tanks where you want the scale to remain consistent for a long time.

Best Aquascaping Uses

Here’s where you can let your creativity run wild. Both are incredibly versatile, but their leaf shapes lend them to slightly different styles.

  • Anubias Nana Petite is perfect for:
    • Creating dense foreground bushes.
    • Tucking into crevices in rocks for a natural, overgrown look.
    • Creating a “canopy” on the branches of driftwood.
    • Adding texture to the midground of a larger tank.
  • Anubias ‘Mini Coin’ is ideal for:
    • Creating a unique, “polka-dot” or bubbly texture on hardscape.
    • Use as a focal point plant in a nano or pico aquarium.
    • Softening the hard edges of rocks and wood with its round leaves.
    • Detailed work where you want a very deliberate, neat-looking plant.

The Ultimate Anubias Nana Petite vs Mini Coin Care Guide

Here’s the fantastic news: the care for both plants is virtually identical. If you can keep one alive, you can absolutely succeed with the other. This is one of the biggest benefits of anubias nana petite vs mini coin—they are famously forgiving!

Lighting Requirements

These plants are low-light champions. They thrive in shaded areas of the tank and do not require intense lighting. In fact, placing them under very high light can be a mistake, as it encourages algae to grow on their slow-growing leaves.

Aim for low to medium light intensity. If you have a high-tech tank with powerful lights, place them under floating plants or in the shadow of larger hardscape elements to protect them.

Fertilizers and CO2

Anubias are not demanding feeders. They absorb most of their nutrients from the water column through their leaves and roots.

  • CO2: Not required at all. They will grow perfectly fine without CO2 injection. That said, adding CO2 will result in slightly faster, more robust growth, but it’s a bonus, not a necessity.
  • Fertilizers: A good quality, all-in-one liquid fertilizer dosed once or twice a week is more than enough to keep them happy and green. They don’t need nutrient-rich substrate because they shouldn’t be planted in it!

Planting and Attachment: The Golden Rule

This is the most important part of the anubias nana petite vs mini coin care guide. It’s the one mistake beginners often make.

DO NOT BURY THE RHIZOME.

The rhizome is the thick, horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots grow. If you bury it under your sand or gravel, it will rot, and the plant will die. This is non-negotiable! Here’s how to anubias nana petite vs mini coin properly:

  1. Super Glue Method (My Favorite): Take the plant out of the water and pat the roots and your chosen spot on the rock/wood dry. Apply a few dabs of cyanoacrylate super glue (gel works best) to the roots and press the plant firmly onto the hardscape for 30-60 seconds. You can then place it back in the tank. The glue is 100% aquarium-safe once cured.
  2. Tying Method: Use a dark-colored cotton thread or fishing line to gently tie the rhizome to your hardscape. Over a few months, the plant’s roots will grip the surface on their own, and you can remove the thread if you wish (or just let it dissolve).
  3. Wedge Method: Simply wedge the plant’s rhizome into a crack or hole in your hardscape. The pressure will hold it in place while the roots establish themselves.

Common Problems and Proactive Solutions

Even these tough-as-nails plants can run into trouble. Here are some common problems with anubias nana petite vs mini coin and how to fix them.

Problem: Algae on Leaves

Cause: This is the #1 issue. Because the leaves grow so slowly, they provide a perfect, stable surface for algae to colonize, especially under high light or in a tank with a nutrient imbalance.

Solution:

  • Reduce your lighting intensity or duration.
  • Ensure you have a good balance of nutrients and aren’t over-fertilizing.
  • Introduce algae-eaters like Amano shrimp, nerite snails, or otocinclus catfish. They love to graze on Anubias leaves.
  • You can spot-treat stubborn algae like Black Beard Algae (BBA) by dabbing a tiny amount of liquid carbon (like Seachem Excel) directly onto the affected leaves with the filter turned off for a few minutes.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

Cause: This is usually a sign of a nutrient deficiency, most commonly nitrogen or iron. It could also be an old leaf naturally dying off.

Solution: If multiple leaves are turning yellow, it’s time to re-evaluate your fertilizing routine. Ensure you’re using a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains both macro and micronutrients. If it’s just one old, tattered leaf, you can simply trim it off at the base of its stem.

Problem: Rotting Rhizome

Cause: The rhizome was buried in the substrate, or the plant is suffering from a severe infection known as “Anubias rot.”

Solution: If you’ve buried it, unearth it immediately! If you suspect rot (the rhizome is soft, mushy, and smells bad), you must act fast. Use a sharp, sterile blade to cut away all the affected mushy parts. You may be able to save the healthy portions of the rhizome that are still firm.

Propagation and Sustainable Aquascaping

One of the best things about Anubias is how easy they are to propagate. This is the heart of sustainable anubias nana petite vs mini coin practices. Instead of buying new plants, you can create them yourself!

The process is simple:

  1. Wait until your plant’s rhizome is at least 1.5-2 inches long and has plenty of leaves.
  2. Carefully take the plant out of the tank.
  3. Using a sharp razor blade or aquascaping scissors, make a clean cut through the rhizome.
  4. Ensure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves.
  5. That’s it! You now have two separate plants that you can attach elsewhere in your tank.

This is also a great way to practice eco-friendly anubias nana petite vs mini coin aquascaping. By propagating your own plants, you reduce demand and create a self-sustaining hobby. Many of these plants are also grown via tissue culture, which is a lab-grown method that guarantees they are free of pests, algae, and pesticides, protecting your tank and wild ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Nana Petite and Mini Coin

Can I plant Anubias in the substrate?

Absolutely not! This is the most critical rule. The rhizome (the thick, horizontal stem) must be kept above the substrate. Burying it will cause it to rot and kill the plant. Always attach it to rocks or driftwood.

Which one is better for a shrimp tank?

Both are fantastic choices for shrimp tanks! Their sturdy leaves provide excellent surface area for biofilm to grow, which is a primary food source for shrimp and shrimplets. The dense growth also offers great hiding places. You can’t go wrong with either one.

Why are my new Anubias leaves so small?

This is completely normal. New leaves always start out tiny and unfurl over a period of days or weeks, gradually growing to their mature size. The fact that you’re seeing new growth, no matter how small, is a great sign that your plant is healthy and happy!

Do I need high-tech equipment for these plants?

Not at all. This is one of their main selling points. Both Anubias Nana Petite and Mini Coin thrive in low-tech setups with low light and no CO2 injection. They are the definition of a beginner-friendly, low-maintenance plant.

The Verdict: Which One Is for You?

So, after breaking it all down, the great anubias nana petite vs mini coin debate really comes down to one simple thing: personal aesthetic preference.

Their care, growth rate, and placement are so similar that you can’t make a “wrong” choice from a husbandry standpoint. The decision boils down to this question:

Do you prefer the classic, pointed, spear-shaped leaves of Nana Petite for a lush, textured look, or do you prefer the unique, perfectly round leaves of Mini Coin for a softer, more stylized appearance?

Think about the overall feel you want for your aquascape. Both plants are incredible, hardy, and beautiful additions to any tank. They are true gems of the hobby that reward you with steady, reliable beauty for years to come.

Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge, you’re ready to choose with confidence. Go forth and grow!

Howard Parker
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