How to Grow Anubias Barteri

Anubias Barteri

Anubias barteri

aquatic plant

Anubias barteri is a tropical aquatic plant native to West Africa, characterized by broad, dark green leaves and a slow growth rate. It is a rhizomatous plant that thrives in freshwater aquariums and is renowned for its hardiness and low-light tolerance. This plant is popular among aquascapers for creating natural-looking underwater landscapes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Anubias barteri var. barteri Anubias barteri var. nana Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' Anubias barteri var. glabra Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Low to medium light, 8-10 hours daily; tolerates low light better than most aquatic plants (0.5-1.5 watts per gallon minimum)

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Water: Keep water column between 68-82°F (20-28°C); prefers stable, clean water with 5-7 dGH hardness; benefits from 30-50% weekly water changes; does not require CO2 injection but grows faster with it

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Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants; allow space for rhizome expansion inches

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Days to maturity: Slow-growing; 3-6 months to establish well; 1-2 years to reach full mature size

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Planting depth: Do not bury rhizome; secure to rocks or driftwood with fishing line; rhizome must remain exposed to water column

Soil

Type: Aquarium substrate (gravel, sand, or nutrient-rich substrate); plant should be tied to rocks or driftwood rather than buried

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Liquid fertilizers (NPK-based or all-in-one fertilizers) Macronutrient supplements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) Micronutrient supplements (iron, trace elements) Optional: substrate fertilizer tablets for rooted plants

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

New plant is attached to rock/driftwood; leaves appear dark green but may show minor stress; rhizome is visible and intact

Maintain stable water parameters; do not move plant frequently; provide gentle water flow; avoid burying rhizome

Active Growth

1-3 months

Plant produces new leaves regularly; rhizome develops roots and may begin to expand; existing leaves remain healthy and firm

Maintain consistent fertilization; monitor for algae growth on leaves; ensure adequate lighting; perform regular water changes

Mature Growth

Ongoing (6+ months)

Plant reaches desired size with multiple leaf clusters; rhizome has expanded and developed a robust root system; may show some older leaves at base

Continue regular fertilization; prune dead or decaying leaves; rhizome may need to be repositioned if it outgrows substrate space

Propagation

Variable; occurs after 12+ months of growth

Mature rhizome develops multiple growth points; can be divided into separate plants with 1-2 shoots each

Use a sharp, clean knife to divide rhizome; ensure each division has at least one shoot and developing roots; secure new divisions individually

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Java Fern Cryptocoryne Marsilea Ludwigia Rotala Sagittaria Dwarf Sagitta Echinodorus

Avoid planting near:

Goldfish (uproot plants) Plecos (large species that damage leaves) Silver Dollars (nibble and uproot plants) Aggressive plant-eating fish species

Common Pests

Limit light duration; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish (Amano shrimp, otocinclus); manually remove algae from leaves with soft brush
Ensure rhizome is not buried; improve water circulation; increase water changes; remove decaying portions with clean knife; treat with antibiotic treatments if severe
Add liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen; increase water change frequency; ensure adequate lighting for growth
Manually remove snails; introduce snail-eating fish or pufferfish; reduce overfeeding to limit snail food source

Uses

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Aquascaping & Decoration

Household

Anubias barteri is a fundamental plant in freshwater aquarium design, used to create natural landscapes, hide equipment, and provide visual interest. Its architectural leaf structure makes it ideal for foreground, midground, and background placement depending on variety. [source]

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Fish Habitat & Shelter

Wildlife

Provides shelter, resting surfaces, and grazing areas for fish and invertebrates; offers spawning sites for certain fish species; creates biological filtration through leaf surface colonization by beneficial bacteria. [source]

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Water Filtration & Nutrient Absorption

Household

Removes excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from aquarium water, helping to reduce algae growth and maintain water quality. The plant's slow growth and nutrient uptake contribute to a balanced aquatic ecosystem. [source]

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Low-Maintenance Live Plant

Household

Ideal for beginners and established aquarists due to extreme hardiness, low-light tolerance, and resistance to fish herbivory. Thrives without CO2 injection or specialized fertilization, making it suitable for diverse aquarium setups. [source]

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Botanical Aquascaping Art

Craft

Used by professional aquascapers to create artistic compositions and nature-inspired designs; can be combined with driftwood, rocks, and other plants to achieve specific aesthetic styles (nature aquariums, iwagumi, dutch style). [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested in traditional sense; instead, propagate by dividing the rhizome when mature. Cut rhizome with a sterilized knife, ensuring each division has at least one shoot and developing roots. Secure new plantlets to rocks/driftwood and allow 2-4 weeks to establish before moving.

Fun Facts

🌱 Anubias barteri is native to the rainforests of West Africa, where it grows in rivers and swamps, often partially submerged or completely underwater in its natural habitat.
🌱 The name 'Anubias' is derived from Anubis, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, reflecting the plant's dark, imposing appearance and its association with ancient mystique.
🌱 This plant can survive out of water for extended periods if kept moist, making it suitable for paludariums (half-aquatic, half-terrestrial setups) and riparium environments.

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