Anubias 'Coffeifolia' (Anubias barteri var. 'Coffeifolia') care guide

Group

Plants

Other names

Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia, Anubias coffeifolia, Coffee-leaf anubias

Family

Araceae (arum family)

Origin

Cultivar of Anubias barteri, a West African species

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

25 cm

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

6–8

Hardness

2–15 dGH

Care level

beginner

Lighting

Low light; CO2 not needed

Care

Anubias barteri 'Coffeifolia' is a cultivar whose leaves bulge noticeably between the veins, like coffee leaves, with new leaves opening reddish-brown. It grows 15–25 cm tall on a creeping rhizome of 10–15 cm or more, and flowers often underwater, though it does not set seed there. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs and very slow growth, and suitable for both large and small tanks. Use it in the midground on wood or rock. Attach it to rock or wood with thread, fishing line or plant glue until the roots grip. If planted in the substrate, leave the rhizome on the surface: buried rhizomes rot and the plant dies. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cut the rhizome into pieces with a sharp blade, each with several leaves, and attach them separately. New shoots also branch from the rhizome on their own.

Compatibility and tank mates

Anubias are tough and bitter-tasting, so most fish, including many herbivores and cichlids, leave them alone. Snails and shrimp are fine and help keep the leaves clean. A good choice for tanks where soft plants get eaten. Tropica notes that herbivorous fish do not eat it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.