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Anubias Butterfly

Anubias 'Butterfly'

Also known as Anubias barteri 'Butterfly', Anubias Barteri Butterfly, Butterfly Anubias

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Anubias Butterfly (Anubias 'Butterfly')
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
5.9 in
15 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Araceae
Origin
West Africa (cultivated hybrid)

Overview

Anubias Butterfly is a hardy, forgiving anubias and a good beginner epiphyte. Its wavy leaves add texture that plain-leaved anubias lack.

Did you know

The butterfly look of Anubias Butterfly is not a trick of the light. A stable genetic quirk in the leaf margin gives every leaf the plant grows the same rippled, winged edge.

Caring for Anubias Butterfly

Fix the rhizome to wood or stone and leave it exposed. Like any anubias, it rots if the rhizome is buried.

Anubias Butterfly needs only low light and no added CO2. Keep the light gentle, since its slow leaves collect algae under strong light. It feeds through its roots and from the water, so a liquid fertilizer covers it. It is comfortable at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Growth is slow, so it rarely needs trimming. Propagate it by cutting the rhizome into pieces that each keep a few leaves.

Good to know

Anubias Butterfly is a cultivar in the family Araceae, usually sold as a form of Anubias barteri. Its exact hybrid origin is not formally described, so the plain 'Butterfly' cultivar name is the accurate label. The twisted leaf blades flare out like butterfly wings. Like all anubias it grows from a creeping rhizome and flowers with an aroid spadix and spathe.

In the wild

Anubias Butterfly is a nursery form with no distinct wild population. It descends from the West African Anubias barteri complex, plants that grow along shaded streams and rivers rooted to rock and wood.

Common questions

Does Anubias Butterfly need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Anubias Butterfly 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 Butterfly need CO2?

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

How much light does Anubias Butterfly need?

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

Does Anubias Butterfly need root tabs?

No. Anubias Butterfly 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 Butterfly?

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

How tall does Anubias Butterfly grow?

Anubias Butterfly grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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