How to Care for Anubias Barteri
What Is Anubias Barteri?
Anubias barteri is one of the most reliable aquarium plants available to UK fishkeepers. Hardy, slow-growing and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, it suits beginners and established aquascapes alike. This guide covers everything you need to keep Anubias barteri healthy and long-lived in your aquarium.
Anubias barteri is a rhizome-rooted aquatic plant native to West Africa. In the wild it grows attached to rocks and submerged wood in shaded, flowing water. This natural habit makes it an ideal choice for attaching to hardscape rather than planting in substrate.
Several varieties are commonly sold, including Anubias barteri var. nana (Anubias nana), which stays compact, and the larger broad-leaf forms. All share the same straightforward care requirements.
Ideal Water Conditions
Anubias barteri adapts well to most community aquarium setups. Aim for the following parameters:
Temperature: 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F)
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
Stable conditions matter more than hitting exact numbers. Avoid sudden swings in temperature or pH, as with any aquarium plant.
Lighting Requirements
This is where Anubias barteri stands out. It thrives in low to moderate light and will grow steadily under standard aquarium lighting. High light is not required and can actually encourage algae growth on the slow-growing leaves.
A photoperiod of 6 to 8 hours per day is sufficient. If you keep higher-light plants in the same aquarium, position Anubias barteri in a shaded area beneath taller plants or hardscape.
Planting and Placement
Do not bury the rhizome in gravel or sand. A buried rhizome will rot and the plant will decline. Instead, attach Anubias barteri to hardscape:
Select a piece of rock or driftwood.
Position the rhizome against the surface.
Secure it with fishing line, cotton thread or aquarium-safe glue until the roots anchor naturally over a few weeks.
The roots may be gently guided into the substrate, but the rhizome itself must remain exposed to water flow.
Substrate and Fertilisation
Because Anubias barteri feeds primarily through its roots, a nutrient-rich substrate is beneficial but not essential. It will grow well attached to inert hardscape provided nutrients are available in the water column.
Use a liquid fertiliser containing iron and trace elements. Dose according to the manufacturer's guidance, typically once or twice a week. Carbon dioxide (CO2) supplementation is not required, though it will encourage slightly faster growth.
Maintenance
Anubias barteri is slow-growing, which means low maintenance. Follow a few simple practices:
Remove older yellowing leaves at the base to prevent decay.
Wipe leaves gently during water changes if algae accumulate.
Trim excess roots if they spread too far across hardscape.
Avoid cutting the rhizome unless you are deliberately propagating the plant.
Propagation
Propagate Anubias barteri by cutting the rhizome into sections. Each section must have at least three to four healthy leaves and its own root system. Reattach the new sections to hardscape and allow them to establish.
Propagation is best done during a routine trim rather than as a separate task.
Common Problems
Algae on leaves: Usually caused by excessive light or poor water movement. Reduce the photoperiod, reposition the plant to a shadier spot, and address nutrient imbalances.
Yellowing leaves: Often a sign of nutrient deficiency, particularly iron. Review your fertilisation routine and check water parameters.
Rotting rhizome: Almost always caused by burying the rhizome in substrate. Lift the plant and attach it to hardscape instead.
Suitable Tank Mates
Anubias barteri is robust enough to withstand gentle grazing. It pairs well with most community fish, shrimp and snails. Avoid keeping it with species known to uproot or destroy plants, such as large cichlids or goldfish in confined setups.
Why Choose Anubias Barteri?
Anubias barteri offers long-term value. It requires minimal light, tolerates varied water conditions, and needs little ongoing maintenance. For UK aquarists seeking a dependable, attractive plant that will not outgrow its space quickly, it remains one of the best choices available.
Browse our aquarium plants range at Pet Aqua to find Anubias barteri and everything you need to keep it thriving.