How to Grow Coffeifolia Anubias

Coffeifolia Anubias

Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia

aquatic plant

Coffeifolia Anubias is a compact, slow-growing aquatic plant native to West Africa, characterized by small, deeply lobed leaves that resemble coffee plant foliage. It is an excellent choice for low-light aquariums and planted tanks, thriving when attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate. This hardy plant is ideal for beginners and adds texture and visual interest to aquascapes.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Low to moderate light, 2-4 hours of indirect aquarium lighting daily; tolerates shade well

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Water: Keep in aquarium or paludarium with stable water conditions. Prefers 68-82°F. Weekly 25-50% water changes recommended. Does not require high flow but benefits from gentle circulation. Tolerates a range of water parameters but dislikes acidic water below pH 6.0.

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Spacing: 2-4 inches between plants (minimal spacing needed due to slow growth) inches

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Days to maturity: 120-180 days (slow-growing; maturity achieved gradually)

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Planting depth: Do not bury the rhizome. Attach to rock or driftwood using cotton thread or fishing line, or position at substrate surface with rhizome exposed

Soil

Type: Not applicable—grows attached to rock or driftwood, or in nutrient-rich aquarium substrate

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Liquid fertilizer (NPK) Trace elements (iron, manganese, boron) CO2 supplementation (optional but beneficial)

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Newly planted or attached specimen establishing roots and adapting to aquarium conditions.

Secure firmly to hardscape; avoid disturbance. Maintain stable water parameters. Remove any decaying leaves.

Early Growth

4-8 weeks

Small new leaves emerge from the rhizome; plant develops a compact form.

Apply liquid fertilizer weekly. Ensure adequate lighting (2-4 hours). Monitor for algae on leaves.

Vegetative Development

8-16 weeks

Plant steadily produces deeply lobed foliage; characteristic coffeifolia appearance becomes prominent.

Continue regular fertilization. Maintain water temperature between 68-82°F. Gently remove algae if excessive. Consider trace element supplementation.

Maturity

Ongoing (slow-growing, minimal pruning needed)

Full-grown plant with dense, attractive foliage; may occasionally produce small white or yellow flowers above water (rare in aquariums).

Maintain consistent care routine. May be divided by separating rhizomes if desired. Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves.

Propagation

As needed (typically every 12+ months)

Mature plant produces side shoots or rhizomes suitable for division and propagation.

Separate new shoots only when they have 2-3 leaves and developing roots. Reattach to hardscape using thread or fishing line.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Java Fern (Microsorium pteropus) Moss species (Java Moss, Christmas Moss) Ludwigia Rotala Cryptocoryne Dwarf Sagittaria Echinodorus (smaller species)

Avoid planting near:

Fast-growing stem plants competing for nutrients Large plants shading the Anubias heavily Goldfish or other herbivorous fish that damage delicate leaves

Common Pests

Reduce light duration; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish (Amano shrimp, oto catfish); remove manually; limit excess nutrients
Manual removal; limit overfeeding; add snail-eating fish if desired; reduce plant material decay
Ensure rhizome is not buried; maintain stable water parameters; perform regular water changes; improve water flow; remove decaying portions
and (nutrient deficiency)
Add liquid fertilizer and trace elements; increase water change frequency; improve lighting; check pH and water hardness

Uses

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Aquarium Beautification

Household

Coffeifolia Anubias adds fine texture, visual depth, and natural focal points to planted aquariums and paludariums. Its slow growth and low-light tolerance make it ideal for foreground or midground placement in diverse tank designs. [source]

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Fish and Invertebrate Habitat

Wildlife

The plant provides shelter and hiding places for shy fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates, reducing stress and supporting natural behaviors. Surfaces and crevices offer grazing areas and attachment points for biofilm. [source]

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Water Quality Enhancement

Household

Like all aquatic plants, Coffeifolia Anubias helps consume excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and produce oxygen, contributing to a balanced, healthy aquarium ecosystem and reducing algae blooms. [source]

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Hardscape Arrangement and Aquascaping

Craft

The plant's slow growth and architectural leaf form make it ideal for long-term hardscape designs, rockwork arrangements, and minimalist or nature-inspired aquascapes. It remains stable and visually consistent over extended periods. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvested plant. For propagation, carefully separate side shoots with rhizomes from the mother plant once they develop 2-3 leaves and roots. Use sharp tools and handle the rhizome gently to avoid damage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Coffeifolia Anubias is named for its deeply lobed leaves that resemble the foliage of the coffee plant (Coffea), despite the two plants being botanically unrelated.
🌱 This variety produces tiny white or pale yellow flowers on short spikes above the water surface, though flowering is rare in fully submerged aquarium conditions.
🌱 Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia thrives in low-light environments where most aquatic plants struggle, making it one of the few plants suitable for offices and dimly lit aquariums without supplemental CO₂.

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