Broadleaved anubias (Anubias barteri var. barteri) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Anubias barteri
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
West Africa
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
45 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (estimate)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light; CO2 not needed

Care

Anubias barteri var. barteri (family Araceae) is the larger form of the classic Anubias barteri, from West Africa. Tropica describes it as an undemanding, slow-growing plant reaching 25–45 cm, with a creeping rhizome 10–15 cm or more, and very variable leaf size and shape. It suits the midground or background of medium to large tanks, and paludariums. Do not bury the rhizome, which rots; tie or glue it to wood or rock, or plant it with only the roots in the substrate. A shaded position helps limit algae on the long-lived leaves. Tropica rates it easy, needing low light and low CO2. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Many Anubias barteri forms are sold. Tropica offers var. nana and its cultivars ('Petite', 'Kirin', 'Pinto', 'Large', 'Mini Coin', 'Coin Leaf'), var. glabra, var. caladiifolia and 'Coffeifolia'. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Divide the rhizome with a clean blade, leaving several leaves on each piece, and attach or plant the pieces as before. New side shoots also form on older rhizomes. Can be grown from seed, but this is rarely done.

Compatibility and tank mates

Tough, bitter leaves are left alone by almost all fish, including goldfish, large cichlids and plant-eaters, which makes Anubias one of the safest choices for such tanks. Safe with shrimp and snails. Tropical.

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

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