TankBud

One species · 29 forms

Anubias barteri

Also known as Anubias barteri var. barteri, Broad leaf Anubias

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias barteri (Anubias barteri)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
13.8 in
35 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa

Pick a form

One setup covers every form on this page. The white and variegated lines just grow slower and hold their pattern best with a little more light.

Standard forms

Nana and petite forms

White and variegated forms

Overview

Anubias barteri is a slow, tough epiphyte for the midground or background, with thick, leathery leaves that last a long time. It is a beginner plant.

Did you know

The genus Anubias is named after Anubis, the Egyptian god, a nod to the plant's liking for shade.

Caring for Anubias barteri

Attach the rhizome to wood or rock with thread, gel glue, or by wedging it into a crevice. Never bury the rhizome in the substrate, or it rots. The roots can reach down into the substrate as long as the rhizome itself sits in open water.

Anubias barteri grows well in low light with no CO2 and draws its nutrients from the water, though a liquid fertilizer helps. Algae is the usual problem on its slow leaves, so keep it shaded and the tank stable.

The named forms of Anubias barteri are selections of one species. Nana is a naturally compact variety, and petite and pangolino are tissue-culture sports of nana. The broad, coin and wavy forms were picked out of nursery stock over decades.

Good to know

Anubias barteri is a member of the arum family, Araceae. It grows from a creeping rhizome rather than spreading by runners, and its tough roots anchor to hard surfaces. Like other aroids it can flower underwater, producing a small spadix and spathe.

In the wild

Anubias barteri grows along streams and rivers across tropical West Africa, from Nigeria and Cameroon through the surrounding region. It clings to rocks and submerged wood in fast-flowing, often shaded water. Much of the year it grows above water as a marsh plant, and the rivers flood it seasonally.

Common questions

Do anubias need CO2?

No. Every form on this page grows fine without it. CO2 speeds the slow growth up a little and helps the white forms hold their color, but it is strictly optional.

Why is my anubias rotting at the base?

Almost always a buried rhizome. Pull the plant, trim away the mushy tissue, and reattach it to hardscape with the rhizome fully exposed.

Can I keep anubias with fish that eat plants?

Yes. The thick, bitter leaves are one of the few things goldfish and big cichlids reliably leave alone, which is why anubias is the classic plant for rough tanks.

Does Anubias barteri need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias barteri grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

How much light does Anubias barteri need?

Anubias barteri is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Anubias barteri need root tabs?

No. Anubias barteri feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Anubias barteri?

Anubias barteri propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Anubias barteri grow?

Anubias barteri grows to about 13.8 in (35 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants