Anubias Glabra
Plant Profile
Anubias Glabra is an elegant West African rainforest native that is ready to help your aquascape reach new heights. Setting itself apart from standard round-leaved varieties, this medium-sized specimen features narrow, lance-shaped leaves with subtle wavy edges held high on exceptionally long petioles, which add vertical drama and graceful movement to your midground or background. This low-maintenance epiphyte grows slowly under low light, tolerates a wide range of water parameters, and thrives submerged in aquariums or emersed in humid terrariums.
Key Features & Benefits
- Slender, lanceolate foliage mounted on long petioles introduces vertical height and graceful flow to midground and background spaces.
- Tall leaf canopy provides natural shading and cover for shy fish, shrimp, and bottom-dwelling species.
- Thick, leathery leaf construction easily resists grazing from plant-eating fish, snails, and active dwarf shrimp.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Attach to hardscape using aquarium‑safe glue or thread; keep the rhizome above substrate to prevent rot.
- Maintain stable conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce leaf loss.
- Avoid intense light and ensure good water flow to prevent spot algae on slow‑growing leaves.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth and leaf density.
- Learn more about planting these species by reading our guide on How to Plant Epiphyte Aquatic Plants.
- Master long-term care and propagation with the article All About Anubias Aquarium Plants.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri var. glabra |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Glabra, Anubias Barteri Glabra |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required but Beneficial |
| Placement / Usage | Midground, Background |
| Height / Size | 8-16 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Separate by Rhizome Division |
| Origin | West Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Anubias Glabra?
Attach the plant directly to driftwood or rocks using aquarium-safe super glue gel, thread, or fishing line. Keep the rhizome above the substrate to prevent rot.
2. Does it require CO2 or high lighting?
No. It thrives in low lighting without CO2 injection. While adding CO2 speeds up growth, it is completely optional.
3. Is this plant safe for shrimp, snails, and fish?
Yes, Anubias is 100% safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp (including sensitive Caridina and Neocaridina), and snails. Its tough leaves are also resistant to plant-eating fish like cichlids or goldfish.