Anubias Barteri is a freshwater aquarium plant that is great for beginners because of its resilience. It has a thick rhizome, robust root structure, and tough leaves. There are many types of Anubias; some varieties are suitable midground plants, and others are best as foreground. Here’s everything you need to know about the Anubias plant.
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Growth Rate: | Slow |
| Maximum Size: | 7.5 Inches |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 Gallons |
| Water Conditions: | 72-78°F, pH 6.5-7.8, 3-8 KH |
| Lighting: | Low-Moderate |
| Propagation: | Rhizome Division |
| Placement: | Foreground to Background |
Anubias Barteri Images
Types of Anubias Plants: Lower classifications
These are the 4 main types of Anubias plants:
How To Buy Healthy Aquatic Banana Plants
You can buy Anubias plants at most pet fish stores. Sometimes, you can buy the plant straight out of an aquarium. They usually attach the plant to decorations, driftwood, etc. Other times, you can buy the plant in a small container.
You must buy an Anubias plant that has rich green leaves, a thick rhizome, and healthy-looking roots. Avoid buying plants with signs of wear and tear—for example, torn leaves. Do not buy plants that have visible agal growth.
How To Care For An Anubias Plant
Anubias is easy to care for, so it makes for an excellent aquarium plant for beginners. They can thrive in tanks of any size or shape. The three most important things to consider when caring for an Anubias plant are water condition, light, and method of planting.
Water Parameters
- Aquarium pH: 6.5 – 7.8
- Water Temperature: 72 – 78 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Tank Size: Any size.
Lighting
Anubias Barteri grows well in a variety of lighting. Of course, the amount of light and duration of exposure to light influences the growth rate. Low light tanks (1.8-3 watts per gallon) will have slow growth. Be careful when exposing plants to high light levels as it can also promote algae growth.
Planting
Anubias plants are flexible. They can grow in gravel, soil, attached rocks, decor, etc. The best way to plant them is in a nutrient-rich substrate. But, if you can’t use a substrate, you can opt to attach the plant to a porous rock or some driftwood. When planting Anubias, take care not to bury the rhizome too much. The rhizome should be above the substrate and visible.
Propagation
Once the Anubias plant grows to a decent size, you can divide the plant into two or more plants. It’s easy to propagate Anubias.
Remove the plant that you want to propagate from the water. With a sharp blade, cut the rhizome into two or more parts. Each part should have three or more healthy leaves when cut.
Be careful not to damage the roots while cutting the rhizome. Plant the cut pieces back into the substrate, and be sure not to bury the rhizome to the point where you cannot see it.
Tank Mates
The following fish can be kept in the same tank as a water sprite plant:
- Tetras
- Guppies
- Corydoras
- Killifish
- Glass Catfish
- Platies
- Mollies
- Bettas
Cichlids and Goldfish will usually nibble at the leaves of plants, so they too should be avoided. Plants like water sprite, hornwort, and java fern can share a tank with Anubias. These plants can also provide hiding places for freshwater nano fish or fry.
References:
- Araceae – https://www.reed.edu/biology/courses/bio332/PlantFamily/family_info/Araceae.html
- Enjoy the Beauty of Aquatic Plants in the Aquarium – https://www.academia.edu/37075028/Enjoy_the_Beauty_of_Aquatic_Plants_in_the_Aquarium
- Waxy covering on leaves? – https://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2002/101202.html
- Light penetration depth, turbidity and reflectance related relationship and models – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/092427169190055Z
- The Classification, Distribution, Control and Economic Importance of Aquatic Plants –https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304377094900507
- Rapid in vitro multiplication of the aquatic angiosperm, Anubias barteri var. undulata – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304377094900507
- Anubias – Not Just for Aquariums! – NParks – https://www.nparks.gov.sg/mygreenspace/issue-14-vol-3-2012/gardening/anubias–not-just-for-aquariums
Video: Anubias Planted Tank: Care Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Anubias plants are flexible. They can grow in gravel, soil, attached rocks, decor, etc. The best way to plant them is in a nutrient-rich substrate. But, if you can’t use a substrate, you can opt to attach the plant to a porous rock or some driftwood.
Anubias Nana is the smallest of the Anubias barteri species and the most popular variety. It can grow to a height of 2-6 inches with thick leaves that grow up to 2 ½ inches long and 1 inch across.
Anubias can grow submerged (underwater) and emersed (with the leaves out of water). Most Anubias barteri cultivars do best when in moist and humid conditions.
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