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Form of Anubias barteri

Anubias Broad Leaf

Anubias barteri var. barteri 'Broad Leaf'

One of 29 forms of Anubias barteri · See all forms →

Also known as Anubias barteri 'Broad Leaf', Broadleaf Anubias, Anubias Broadleaf

FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias Broad Leaf (Anubias barteri var. barteri 'Broad Leaf')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Anubias barteri

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Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
9.8 in (25 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa

Overview

Anubias Broad Leaf is a wide-leaved Anubias barteri for wood and rock. It is one of the easiest aquarium plants going, rated for beginners.

Did you know

A single leaf of Anubias Broad Leaf can last for over a year. Hobbyists often see algae colonize a leaf before the plant grows a replacement.

Caring for Anubias Broad Leaf

Tie the rhizome to wood or rock with thread, or fix it with a dab of gel glue. Never bury it, since a buried rhizome rots.

Anubias Broad Leaf grows in low light with no CO2, and hard tap water suits it fine. Keep the light modest, because slow growth lets algae build up on the tough leaves. It feeds mostly from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better than root tabs. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, and it rarely needs trimming. Wipe or spot-treat any algae that appears on the leaves. To make new plants, divide the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.

Good to know

Anubias Broad Leaf is a cultivated selection of Anubias barteri var. barteri, chosen for its wide, rounded leaf blades. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae, along with philodendron and peace lily. Like all aroids it produces a spadix-and-spathe flower rather than a true blossom, and it flowers underwater without setting seed. Its thick horizontal rhizome stores energy, and both leaves and roots emerge from it.

In the wild

Anubias barteri comes from West and Central Africa, where it grows along shaded streams and rivers. It roots at the water's edge or clings to submerged rocks and roots. In the wild it lives as a marsh plant, emersed with its roots in water and much of its foliage above the surface.

Common questions

Is Anubias Broad Leaf a different species from Anubias barteri?

No. Anubias Broad Leaf is a form of Anubias barteri. It reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm), against 13.8 in (35 cm) for the species. It also differs in feeding, pH and temperature.

Does Anubias Broad Leaf need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias Broad Leaf 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.

Does Anubias Broad Leaf need CO2?

No. Anubias Broad Leaf grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.

How much light does Anubias Broad Leaf need?

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

Does Anubias Broad Leaf need root tabs?

No. Anubias Broad Leaf 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 Broad Leaf?

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

How tall does Anubias Broad Leaf grow?

Anubias Broad Leaf grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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