How to Grow Anubias Barteri var. Glabra

Anubias Barteri var. Glabra

Anubias barteri var. glabra

aquatic plant

Anubias barteri var. glabra is a dwarf aquatic plant native to West Africa, characterized by its small, smooth, dark green leaves and compact growth habit. It is an excellent choice for aquascaping and planted aquariums due to its hardiness and slow growth rate. This plant thrives when attached to rocks or driftwood rather than planted in substrate.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Low to moderate light, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates shade well (2-4 watts per gallon sufficient)

💧

Water: Freshwater aquarium; prefers gentle water flow; requires regular water changes (20-30% weekly); tolerant of a wide range of water conditions

📏

Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants for optimal growth and viewing inches

📅

Days to maturity: Slow growing; full maturity 6-12 months

🌱

Planting depth: Do not plant in substrate; tie or glue rhizome to rocks or driftwood using fishing line or aquarium-safe glue; keep rhizome above substrate to prevent rot

Soil

Type: Aquatic substrate (sand or fine gravel); does not require planting as it attaches to hardscape

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Liquid fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) Trace element supplements (iron, boron, zinc) CO2 supplementation optional for enhanced growth

Growth Stages

Attachment

1-2 weeks

Fresh plant secured to hardscape with small root system developing

Ensure plant is firmly attached to prevent floating; avoid disturbing for 2-3 weeks; maintain stable water parameters

Root Development

2-4 weeks

Rhizoid structures extend from rhizome to anchor plant to hardscape; existing leaves remain stable

Do not move plant; ensure gentle water flow; begin light fertilization if needed

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

New leaves emerge from growing point; plant becomes fuller with 4-8 leaves visible

Maintain consistent lighting and water parameters; apply liquid fertilizer bi-weekly; remove algae buildup on leaves with soft brush

Established

Ongoing (months to years)

Plant reaches desired size with dense foliage; mature leaves dark green and glossy

Trim older leaves as needed; can be propagated by separating rhizomes with 2-3 leaves; continue regular fertilization and water changes

Propagation

As needed

Mature plant develops multiple growth points allowing division

Carefully separate rhizomes with sterile scissors or knife; ensure each division has roots and leaves; reattach divisions to new hardscape

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Java Fern Moss (Christmas, Java, Taiwan) Echinodorus species Ludwigia Rotala Hyphessobrycon tetras Corydoras catfish

Avoid planting near:

Strong allelopathic plants (none specific to Anubias) Herbivorous fish that consume plant matter Uprooting fish species (plecos, large cichlids)

Common Pests

Increase water circulation; balance light and nutrients; add algae-eating fish (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus catfish); perform manual removal; reduce lighting duration if excessive
Ensure rhizome is not buried; maintain water quality; increase water flow; remove affected portions with sterile tools; treat with antifungal if severe
Caused by drastic environmental changes; acclimate plant slowly to new conditions; maintain stable temperature and pH; ensure adequate nutrients
Manual removal; introduce snail-eating fish or invertebrates; reduce food waste in aquarium

Uses

🏠

Aquarium Decoration & Aquascaping

Household

Anubias barteri var. glabra is a premier choice for planted aquarium designs, used to create natural-looking underwater landscapes. Its compact size and low-light tolerance make it ideal for midground and foreground placement in aquascapes. [source]

🏠

Water Filtration & Quality

Household

As an aquatic plant, Anubias absorbs excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from aquarium water, helping to reduce algae growth and maintaining better water chemistry. This natural biofilter supports fish health and reduces the need for chemical interventions. [source]

🦋

Fish Habitat & Shelter

Wildlife

The plant provides shelter and hiding places for fish, particularly beneficial for shy or juvenile species. It offers a natural resting surface for fish and encourages natural behaviors. [source]

🏠

Low-Maintenance Aquatic Gardening

Household

Known for exceptional hardiness and slow growth, Anubias requires minimal pruning and maintenance compared to other aquatic plants, making it ideal for beginners and low-tech aquarium setups. [source]

🎨

Terrarium & Vivarium Decoration

Craft

Though aquatic, this plant is occasionally used in moist terrarium environments and paludarium setups where it can thrive on the aquatic side, offering versatility in specialized planted enclosures. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental use; for propagation, separate rhizome divisions when mature plant has 8+ leaves and multiple growth points. Carefully cut rhizome with sterile blade ensuring each division has 2-3 leaves and visible roots. Reattach divisions to hardscape and allow 2-3 weeks for establishment before moving.

Fun Facts

🌱 Anubias barteri var. glabra is one of the smallest Anubias varieties and was developed specifically for aquascaping to fit smaller planted tanks and detailed layouts.
🌱 This plant is so hardy it can survive in aquariums with minimal lighting and no fertilizers, making it nearly impossible to kill, earning it the nickname 'beginner's plant.'
🌱 Anubias flowers underwater—they produce a unique inflorescence (spadix) that can occasionally be observed in established aquariums, though flowering is rare in closed tank systems.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free