Anubias barteri
Anubias barteri Overview
Anubias barteri is one of the most reliable freshwater aquarium plants for beginners and experienced aquascapers. This strong rhizome plant is known for its thick dark green leaves, slow growth and excellent tolerance of low tech aquarium conditions. Because this plant does not require strong lighting or pressurized CO2, it is often recommended as one of the best beginner aquarium plants.
In aquascaping, Anubias barteri is mainly used on hardscape such as driftwood, roots, lava rock, dragon stone and other aquarium stones. The plant should not be buried deeply in the substrate. Instead, the rhizome must stay above the substrate while the roots are allowed to attach themselves naturally. This makes barteri ideal for nature aquarium layouts where wood and stone form the main structure.
The plant originates from West Africa, where Anubias species grow near streams, rivers and humid shaded areas. In the aquarium, this natural preference translates into a plant that enjoys stable water, gentle flow and low to medium light. Its slow growth makes it easy to maintain and helps the aquascape stay calm and balanced for a long time.
Origin: West Africa
Family: Araceae
Common names: Anubias, Anubias barteri, Broad Leaf Anubias
Anubias barteri Care Guide
The care is simple when the plant is placed correctly. The most important rule is to keep the rhizome exposed. If the rhizome is buried in substrate, it can rot and the plant may slowly decline. The roots may grow into sand or soil, but the thick horizontal rhizome must remain visible and free.
This aquarium plant is very suitable for low tech aquariums. It grows well without CO2 injection, survives under moderate light and does not need constant trimming. Damaged or old leaves can be removed close to the rhizome with clean scissors. New leaves appear slowly, so patience is part of successful Anubias barteri care.
Anubias barteri Water Values, CO2 and Light
It grows well in a wide range of freshwater aquariums. A temperature between 22 and 28 °C is ideal for most setups. The recommended pH range is 6.0 to 7.8, making this plant flexible enough for many community aquariums, shrimp tanks and natural aquascapes.
CO2 is not required for Anubias barteri. Extra CO2 can improve overall plant growth in a high tech aquarium, but this species remains healthy without it. That is one of the main reasons why Anubias barteri is so popular with beginners and low tech aquarium keepers.
Low to medium light is best. Strong light can be used, but because Anubias barteri grows slowly, intense lighting can cause algae to settle on the leaves. A slightly shaded position under taller plants, next to driftwood or between stones usually gives the best long-term result.
Aquascaping Tips for Anubias barteri
This Anubias is one of the most useful aquascaping plants because it adds structure without demanding much maintenance. The broad dark green leaves create contrast against fine-leaved stem plants, mosses and carpeting plants. It is especially effective in nature aquarium layouts where the goal is a calm, mature and natural atmosphere.
Attach Anubias barteri to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread, fishing line or aquarium-safe plant glue. After a few weeks, the roots will grip the hardscape naturally. The plant can be used in the foreground or midground, especially around the base of wood, between stones or near shaded areas.
Good companion plants include Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne wendtii and Java Moss. These plants share a calm natural appearance and work well in low tech aquariums. Anubias barteri is also excellent for shrimp aquariums because the leaves collect biofilm and provide resting places.
Common Anubias barteri Problems
Most Anubias barteri problems are caused by incorrect placement, unstable aquarium conditions or too much light. The plant itself is very strong, but because it grows slowly, recovery can take time. Keeping the aquarium stable is more important than making frequent changes.
Rhizome rot
Rhizome rot usually happens when the rhizome is buried under the substrate. The plant should always be attached to wood, rock or placed above the substrate with the rhizome exposed.
Algae on leaves
Algae may appear on older leaves when the light is too strong or nutrients are unbalanced. Reduce light intensity, improve stability and remove badly affected leaves if needed.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves can be caused by old growth, nutrient shortage or unstable water values. Remove damaged leaves and keep the aquarium conditions consistent.
- Do not bury the rhizome.
- Use low to medium light.
- Keep water parameters stable.
- Remove damaged leaves close to the rhizome.
- Attach the plant to wood, stone or other hardscape.
Why this plant Is a Best Beginner Aquarium Plant
This Anubias is one of the best beginner aquarium plants because it is strong, beautiful and forgiving. It does not need advanced equipment, strong light or CO2 injection. This makes it suitable for aquascapers who want a professional-looking plant without complicated care.
The plant also has long-term value in aquascaping. Its slow growth means it stays in shape, its dark green leaves create depth, and its ability to grow on hardscape makes it useful in many layouts. In the Miroshaki Plant Encyclopedia, Anubias barteri belongs among the essential low tech aquarium plants for peaceful nature aquariums.
External Plant Reference
For additional botanical reference, visit
Plants of the World Online by Kew Gardens.