How to Grow Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra
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Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra
Anubias barteri Schott var. barteri & var. glabra
aquatic plantAnubias barteri is a popular aquatic plant native to West Africa, featuring broad, dark green leaves and a slow growth rate. The var. barteri (standard form) has slightly textured leaves, while var. glabra has smoother, glossier foliage. Both are hardy, low-maintenance plants ideal for aquariums and paludariums.
When should you plant Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra in your zone?
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Example Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical aquatic environments; suitable for indoor aquariums in all climates
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Get my Anubias barteri var. barteri & var. glabra timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant with 3-5 leaves; rhizome actively developing roots; leaves are smaller and lighter in color
Secure to anchor (rock, wood, or fishing line); maintain stable water parameters; avoid disturbance; light fertilization helps
Vegetative Growth
2-6 monthsPlant produces new leaves steadily; rhizome thickens; leaves darken and reach mature size (3-6 inches long)
Monitor for algae growth on leaves; gentle water circulation aids growth; nutrient supplementation (liquid fertilizer or root tabs) supports vigor
Maturation
3+ monthsWell-established plant with multiple growth points; dense foliage canopy develops; new leaves emerge regularly
Remove dead or damaged outer leaves; maintain consistent lighting and water conditions; prune crowded areas to promote airflow
Reproduction
Ongoing in stable conditionsMature plants produce inflorescences (small white flowers in emersed conditions); rhizome develops side shoots or plantlets
Remove flowers or allow to develop if propagation desired; separate plantlets once they develop 2-3 roots and leaves
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase water circulation; reduce light duration if excessive; manually remove with soft brush; introduce algae-eating fauna (siamese algae eaters, amano shrimp); maintain nutrient balance
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Ensure stable water parameters; reduce handling and disturbance; trim damaged leaves; improve water circulation; check CO2 and nutrient levels
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Remove snails manually; use snail-specific traps; quarantine affected plants; avoid overfeeding (excess food feeds snails)
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Choose compatible fish species; avoid large herbivores and bottom-diggers; secure plant to anchor point; provide hiding spots for plant
Uses
Aquarium Aquascaping
HouseholdAnubias barteri is a premier aquascaping plant, used to create natural hardscape layouts, foreground focal points, and low-light zones in planted tanks. Its hardy nature and sculptural form make it ideal for both beginner and advanced aquariums. [source]
Fish & Invertebrate Habitat
WildlifeProvides shelter, grazing surfaces, and breeding substrate for aquatic fauna including shrimp, small fish, and invertebrates. Leaf surfaces develop biofilm that serves as food for young shrimp and fish. [source]
Low-Maintenance Water Filtration
HouseholdSlow-growing aquatic plants help absorb excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and reduce algae proliferation by competing with algal spores. Supports biological filtration in aquarium systems. [source]
Paludarium & Terrarium Décor
CraftGrows in emersed and semi-aquatic conditions, making it versatile for paludariums, wet walls, and high-humidity terrariums. Can develop taller growth habit in emersed form. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses
MedicinalIn West African traditional medicine, Anubias species have been used in herbal preparations, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Primarily valued as an ornamental in contemporary applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
These plants are not harvested for food or material. For propagation: separate side shoots or plantlets once they develop 2-3 roots and 2-3 leaves; tie to new anchor point; detach only when fully independent (4-6 weeks). Remove dead or yellowing outer leaves with clean scissors to encourage new growth and maintain aesthetics.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Anubias barteri is named after the Egyptian god Anubis because of its dark, mysterious appearance and association with water in ancient Egyptian symbolism.
- 🌱 Both varieties are among the slowest-growing aquarium plants; a single plant may produce only 1-2 new leaves per month, making them ideal for low-maintenance, stable tank setups.
- 🌱 Anubias can survive complete emersion and will produce aerial leaves and flowers in paludariums or high-humidity environments, flowering with small white inflorescences.
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