How To Split Anubias Nana Petite: Your Complete Guide To Easy

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever looked at that gorgeous little cluster of Anubias Nana Petite in your tank and thought, “I wish I had more of that”? Maybe it’s starting to look a little overgrown, or you’re dreaming of dotting its deep green leaves across a new piece of driftwood. You’re not alone! Many aquarists feel a little nervous about taking a blade to their beloved plants.

I promise you, learning how to split anubias nana petite is one of the easiest and most rewarding skills in the aquascaping hobby. It’s a simple process that unlocks so many possibilities for your aquarium, and I’m here to walk you through it, step-by-step, just like a friend would.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the tools you’ll need and the precise cutting technique to the best ways to re-attach your new plantlets and care for them afterward. Forget the fear—let’s get ready to multiply your favorite plant for free!

Why Split Anubias Nana Petite? The Surprising Benefits for Your Tank

Before we grab our tools, let’s talk about why this is such a great practice. The benefits of how to split anubias nana petite go far beyond just getting more plants (though that’s a fantastic perk!).

Propagating your Anubias is a cornerstone of a sustainable how to split anubias nana petite approach to aquascaping. Here’s what you gain:

  • More Plants, Zero Cost: This is the most obvious benefit! Instead of buying new plants, you can create them from the one you already have. It’s an incredibly rewarding and eco-friendly how to split anubias nana petite method for filling out your aquascape.
  • Improved Plant Health: As an Anubias grows, the rhizome (the thick, horizontal stem) gets longer. Older sections can sometimes become less vigorous. Splitting the plant allows you to remove any old or woody parts, encouraging fresh, vibrant growth across all the new pieces.
  • Better Aquascape Design: A single, large Anubias clump can look a bit dense. By splitting it, you gain smaller, more manageable pieces that you can strategically place around your tank to create a more balanced and natural look. You can tuck them into crevices in rocks or create a beautiful, scattered effect on a large piece of driftwood.
  • Prevents Overcrowding: A large, dense Anubias can block light and water flow to the plants and areas behind and beneath it. Thinning it out ensures all your tank’s inhabitants get what they need to thrive.

Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need for a Clean Cut

Alright, let’s get our workstation ready. The good news is you don’t need a professional laboratory. A successful split comes down to being clean and precise. Think of it as minor surgery for your plant!

Here’s your simple checklist:

  • A Sharp Cutting Tool: This is the most important item. You can use a pair of sharp aquascaping scissors, a new razor blade, or an X-Acto knife. Dull tools will crush the rhizome instead of cutting it, leading to damage and rot.
  • A Clean Surface: A small cutting board or a clean plate works perfectly. Avoid surfaces that might have soap residue or other contaminants.
  • Attachment Supplies: You’ll need a way to secure your new plantlets. The two best options are:
    • Super Glue Gel: Make sure it’s 100% cyanoacrylate. The gel version is much easier to control than the liquid kind.
    • Cotton Thread or Fishing Line: Classic and effective. Cotton thread is great because it will eventually dissolve on its own.
  • Your Anubias Nana Petite: Of course! Choose a healthy, mature plant with a long rhizome and plenty of leaves.

The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Split Anubias Nana Petite Like a Pro

Ready to make the cut? Deep breath—it’s easier than you think. Following this detailed how to split anubias nana petite guide will ensure you get healthy new plants every time. We’ll make this process simple and stress-free.

  1. Step 1: Remove and Inspect the Plant

    Gently remove the entire Anubias plant from your aquarium. If it’s attached to a rock or wood, try to take the whole piece out. Swish it around in a bucket of old tank water (not fresh tap water) to rinse off any debris.

    Now, take a good look at the rhizome. This is the lifeblood of the plant. It should be firm, green, and healthy-looking. A mushy or black rhizome is a sign of rot.

  2. Step 2: Identify Your Cutting Points

    This is where a little planning goes a long way. You don’t want to just chop it up randomly. Look for natural places to divide the plant.

    The golden rule is to ensure each new piece has at least 3-4 healthy leaves and, if possible, a few roots already growing from the rhizome section. This gives the new division the best possible start in life.

  3. Step 3: Make a Clean, Confident Cut

    Place the rhizome on your cutting surface. Using your sharp blade or scissors, make a single, clean cut through the rhizome at your chosen spot. Don’t saw back and forth. A decisive, clean cut minimizes damage and helps the plant heal quickly.

    You now have two (or more) separate Anubias plants! Congratulations, you just performed successful plant surgery.

  4. Step 4 (Optional Pro-Tip): Let it Breathe

    Here’s one of my favorite little how to split anubias nana petite tips that I’ve found reduces the risk of rot. After making the cut, you can let the new plant pieces sit out on a paper towel for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cut ends to dry slightly and form a ‘scab’, which can help seal the wound before it goes back underwater.

Attaching Your New Anubias: Best Practices for Success

You’ve made the cuts, and now you have a handful of beautiful new plantlets. The next step is placing them back in your tank. Following these how to split anubias nana petite best practices is crucial for their long-term health.

The Super Glue Gel Method

This is my personal favorite method for its speed and clean look. It’s perfect for attaching Anubias to rocks and driftwood.

  1. Pat the spot on the rock or wood dry with a paper towel.
  2. Pat the rhizome of the Anubias plantlet dry as well.
  3. Apply a very small dab of cyanoacrylate gel to the rock/wood.
  4. Press the rhizome firmly onto the glue for about 30 seconds.
  5. That’s it! You can place it back in the aquarium immediately.

The Thread or Fishing Line Method

This is the traditional method and works just as well. It’s great for attaching plants to awkwardly shaped surfaces.

  1. Place the Anubias plantlet on the desired surface.
  2. Wrap cotton thread or fishing line around the rhizome and the object a few times.
  3. Tie it off securely, but not so tight that you crush the rhizome. You just want it to be held in place.
  4. Over the next few months, the plant’s roots will grip the surface on their own.

The Most Important Rule: Never Bury the Rhizome!

If you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this: Do NOT bury the Anubias rhizome in your substrate. The rhizome needs to be exposed to the water column to breathe and absorb nutrients. Burying it will cut off its lifeline, causing it to suffocate, rot, and ultimately kill your beautiful new plant.

Post-Propagation Care: Nurturing Your New Plantlets

Now that your new Anubias divisions are happily situated in their new homes, what’s next? This is the easy part. This simple how to split anubias nana petite care guide will see them through.

Anubias are famously hardy. They don’t demand much. Don’t be alarmed if you see a tiny bit of leaf melt in the first week—this is just a sign of transplant shock, and the plant will almost always bounce back.

Ensure they have low to moderate lighting and stable water parameters. Anubias are slow growers, so the most important ingredient now is patience. As long as the rhizome stays firm and the leaves look green, you’re doing everything right. Growth will come in time!

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Split Anubias Nana Petite (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry! Here are some common problems with how to split anubias nana petite and their simple solutions.

Problem: The Rhizome is Turning Mushy or Black

  • Cause: This is almost always rhizome rot. It could be from a crushed or jagged cut, or because the rhizome was accidentally buried.
  • Solution: Act fast! Remove the plant and, with a sterile blade, carefully cut away all the mushy, black parts until you only see firm, healthy green tissue. You can then try re-attaching the healthy portion.

Problem: The Leaves are Turning Yellow or Melting

  • Cause: A little melting right after splitting is normal shock. If it continues, it could be a nutrient deficiency or, surprisingly, too much light. Anubias are low-light plants.
  • Solution: Be patient for the first week. If it worsens, check your lighting schedule. You can also place a root tab near (not directly under) the plant or use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to ensure it’s getting all its micronutrients.

Problem: My New Plantlet Isn’t Growing At All

  • Cause: Anubias Nana Petite is a snail-paced grower!
  • Solution: Patience, my friend! As long as the plant isn’t actively dying (rotting rhizome, melting leaves), it’s probably perfectly happy. You might only see one new leaf every month or two. This is normal and a sign of a healthy, slow-growing plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Split Anubias Nana Petite

How many leaves should a new Anubias division have?

For the best chance of survival and healthy growth, aim for each new section to have at least 3-4 leaves. A piece with only one or two leaves might survive, but it will have a much harder time establishing itself.

Can I just break the rhizome with my hands?

Please don’t! While it might seem easier, breaking the rhizome creates a jagged, crushed wound that is extremely susceptible to rot. Always use a sharp, clean tool to make a precise cut. This is a critical best practice.

How long does it take for new roots to attach to driftwood?

This depends on your tank conditions, but generally, you can expect the roots to firmly anchor themselves to a surface within a few months. Once they have a solid grip, you can remove the thread if you used it.

Do I need CO2 or special fertilizer after splitting my Anubias?

No, it’s not a requirement. Anubias are fantastic low-tech plants that thrive without CO2 injection. While they will benefit from a well-balanced liquid fertilizer in the water column, they don’t have heavy feeding demands. Their needs are simple, which is why we love them!

You’re Ready to Propagate!

See? That wasn’t so scary! You now have all the knowledge and confidence you need to master how to split anubias nana petite. You’ve learned how to prepare, how to make a clean cut, the iron-clad rule of the rhizome, and how to care for your new plants.

This simple skill transforms you from a plant keeper into a plant grower. It’s a sustainable, fun, and deeply satisfying way to engage with your hobby and create the lush aquascape you’ve always wanted.

So go ahead—grab your favorite Anubias, your sharpest scissors, and start multiplying. Your aquarium will thank you for it. Happy scaping!

Howard Parker
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