Propagating Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

How to propagate the broad heart-leaf Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia by rhizome division, attaching pieces to wood or rock without burying the rhizome.

Overview

Anubias barteri is a West African species of the family Araceae, first described in 1860, occurring in south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and on Bioko. The caladiifolia variety carries broad, rounded heart-shaped leaves that recall caladium foliage. Like all forms of the species it is an epiphyte: the rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to litter such as rocks and wood, which makes it a slow but very forgiving aquarium plant.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias barteri can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. The rhizome is the thick horizontal stem between the leaves and the roots; more leaves grow out of it over time. To multiply caladiifolia, you cut this stem into sections, each keeping enough leaves and roots to live independently.

Step-by-Step

Lift the parent plant and rinse the rhizome so you can see the leaf and root spacing.
Choose a cutting point between leaf nodes, keeping at least three to four leaves on each piece.
Cut the rhizome cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors so every section has its own leaves and roots.
Attach each division to driftwood or rock: draw a small line of super glue gel on the hardscape and press the roots in place for about 30 seconds, or tie it down with thread until it anchors.
Return the divisions to the tank with the rhizome fully exposed above the surface.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Keep caladiifolia at 22-28 C (72-82 F). It tolerates a wide range of lighting; in stronger light the leaves grow more quickly and stay more compact, but low light is fine for this shade-tolerant epiphyte. No CO2 is required, and it grows well both partially and fully submersed.

Maintenance

Once attached, divisions need little intervention. Leaves are leathery and persist for a long time, so trimming is rare. Remove any damaged or algae-covered leaves at the base, and leave new growth from the rhizome undisturbed while it knits onto the hardscape.

Common Challenges

Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome in substrate, the most common cause of failure.
Slow recovery: divisions take weeks to months to root, so patience is essential.
Algae on the slow-growing leaves, reduced by keeping light moderate to low.
Loose attachment if glue or thread is removed before roots grip the hardscape.