Anubias Barteri
Plant Profile
As a dependable, beginner-friendly pick among Anubias aquarium plants, Anubias Barteri delivers time-tested durability and lush green scale for planted tanks. Sporting the classic heart-to-oval leaf shape seen in smaller cultivars like Anubias Nana, this hardy epiphyte elevates the look with longer petioles and broader, deep green foliage. Resilient in low-tech aquariums, it creates an effortless green transition in midground crevices or background zones across aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums without requiring intense light or CO₂ injection.
Key Features & Benefits
- Ultra-resilient nature makes it a stress-free option for beginners and seasoned aquascapers.
- Thick foliage resists grazing from herbivorous cichlids, goldfish, snails, and active dwarf shrimp.
- Thrives in low-light environments, making it ideal for shaded hardscape crevices and low-tech tanks.
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 horizontal rhizome completely above substrate to prevent rot.
- Maintain stable water conditions to support smooth acclimation and reduce initial leaf loss.
- Avoid intense direct light and ensure healthy water flow to prevent slow-growing leaves from collecting green spot algae.
- CO₂ is optional but improves growth speed and foliage 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. barteri |
| Common Name(s) | Anubias Barteri, Broadleaf Anubias |
| 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 Crevices, Background Accent |
| Height / Size | 4 – 6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow (1 leaf every 2-3 weeks) |
| 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 does standard Anubias Barteri differ from Anubias Nana?
While both share an oval-to-heart leaf shape and identical epiphyte care, standard Anubias Barteri grows distinctly larger, reaching 4 to 6 inches in height with leaves spanning 2 to 3 times the surface area of Anubias Nana. This makes Barteri an ideal midground focal point, whereas Nana is better suited for foreground and nano detailing.
2. Why are the broad leaves of my Anubias Barteri getting green spot algae?
Because Anubias Barteri produces large, slow-growing leaves, excessive overhead lighting will trigger green spot algae along the leaf surface. Position the plant in partial shade under taller stem plants or hardscape overhangs, ensure moderate water circulation, and avoid photoperiods longer than 8 hours.
3. Can Anubias Barteri survive in cichlid or goldfish aquariums?
Yes. Anubias Barteri is one of the top recommended live plants for African cichlid, South American cichlid, and goldfish tanks. Its thick, fibrous leaves and bitter taste naturally discourage herbivorous fish from tearing or eating the foliage, and mounting the rhizome directly to heavy rocks prevents fish from uprooting it.