Anubias Barteri (Anubias barteri) Care Guide

Propagating Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

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

1. Lift the parent plant and rinse the rhizome so you can see the leaf and root spacing.
2. Choose a cutting point between leaf nodes, keeping at least three to four leaves on each piece.
3. Cut the rhizome cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors so every section has its own leaves and roots.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Propagating Anubias Nana 'Bonsai': Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Bonsai' is an ultra-compact selection of dwarf Anubias with very small leaves, ideal for nano tanks and foreground epiphyte work. Like the parent species, its rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, and the leaves survive for several years.

It is extremely undemanding and grown as an epiphyte, so it is increased from the rhizome rather than planted in the substrate. Its small size makes it well suited to tying onto small stones.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. Even on a compact 'Bonsai', the horizontal rhizome lengthens over time, and any cut section that keeps enough leaves and roots becomes an independent plant. Division is the reliable method; leaf or stem cuttings do not propagate Anubias.

Step-by-Step

1. Detach the parent plant and rinse it so the rhizome is fully visible.
2. Pick a cut point that leaves 3-4 leaves with roots on each side.
3. Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors.
4. Tie each division to a small stone or piece of wood with fishing line, or glue the roots with cyanoacrylate gel.
5. Return it to gentle flow under stable light and wait for new growth before moving it.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Anubias barteri prefers 22-28 °C, grows well submersed and needs no CO2. In stronger light the leaves grow more quickly and stay more compact, which suits 'Bonsai' since tight, small leaves are exactly the look this cultivar is grown for; it also thrives in low light.

• Temperature: 22-28 °C.
• Light: low to moderate.
• CO2: not required.
• Mount on small stones for nano and foreground placements.

Maintenance

'Bonsai' is essentially hands-off once attached. Remove the fishing line after the roots grip the hardscape themselves. Growth is slow and the leaves are long-lived, so slow algae can settle on older leaves; steady light and clean water matter more than feeding.

Common Challenges

The usual mistakes are burying the rhizome, which causes rot, and expecting quick results. After division the plant can take several weeks to settle and start new leaves. With small divisions, handle gently, keep the rhizome exposed and be patient.

Propagating Anubias Nana 'Marble': Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Marble' is a variegated form of dwarf Anubias with cream-and-green marbled leaves. Like all Anubias barteri, its rhizome remains above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, and individual leaves survive for several years. It is grown as an epiphyte, which is why it is propagated from the rhizome rather than from the substrate.

Because part of each leaf is non-green, 'Marble' grows somewhat slower than plain nana, but it is hardy once acclimated and tolerates low light. The lighter foliage reads best against dark hardscape.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. A mature nana rhizome runs roughly 10-15 cm horizontally, and every cut piece that keeps enough leaves and roots becomes a new plant. Leaf or stem cuttings do not work for Anubias the way they do for fast stem plants, so division is the standard method.

Step-by-Step

1. Detach the parent plant from its mount and rinse it so the rhizome is fully visible.
2. Choose a cut point that leaves 3-4 leaves with roots on each side.
3. Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors or a blade.
4. Attach each division to a stone or tree root with fishing line, or glue the roots to the hardscape with cyanoacrylate gel.
5. Place it under gentle flow and stable light and let it root before moving it again.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Anubias barteri prefers 22-28 °C and grows well submersed without added CO2. In stronger light the leaves grow more quickly and stay more compact, though 'Marble' also does fine in low light, which makes it forgiving for shaded layouts.

• Temperature: 22-28 °C.
• Light: low to moderate.
• CO2: not required.
• Mount on dark wood or stone to highlight the marbling.

Maintenance

Once settled, Anubias is undemanding. Remove the fishing line after the roots grip the hardscape on their own. Because growth is slow and the leaves are long-lived, slow algae can take hold on older leaves, so keep light stable and water clean rather than over-fertilising.

Common Challenges

The two common failures are burying the rhizome, which causes rot, and impatience. After division the plant may take several weeks to settle and push new leaves. Give it a clean cut, an exposed rhizome and stable conditions and 'Marble' acclimates reliably.

Propagating Anubias Nana 'Pinto': Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto' is a rare variegated selection of the well-known dwarf Anubias. Like the parent species, its rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, and the leaves can survive for several years. It is an epiphyte rather than a substrate plant, which shapes how it is propagated.

The white-and-green marbling that makes 'Pinto' striking comes from tissue that lacks chlorophyll. Because only the green areas photosynthesise, the plant has less working leaf surface and grows even more slowly than ordinary nana, so good, stable light helps it hold colour and keep producing new leaves.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. The horizontal rhizome of a mature nana reaches roughly 10-15 cm, and each cut section that carries enough leaves and roots becomes an independent plant. This is the only reliable home method for 'Pinto'; it does not propagate from leaf or stem cuttings the way fast-growing stem plants do.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift or detach the parent plant and rinse off debris so the full rhizome is visible.
2. Pick a point on the rhizome that leaves 3-4 leaves with their roots on each side of the cut.
3. Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors or a blade.
4. Attach each division to a stone or piece of wood using fishing line or a dab of cyanoacrylate (super) glue gel on the roots.
5. Return it to gentle flow under stable lighting and wait for new leaves before disturbing it again.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Keep the temperature in the 22-28 °C range that Anubias barteri prefers. The plant grows well submersed and needs no CO2 to survive. In stronger light the leaves grow more quickly and stay more compact, which is especially useful for a variegated form that depends on its green tissue.

• Temperature: 22-28 °C.
• Light: low to moderate; brighter, stable light helps 'Pinto' keep colour.
• CO2: not required.
• Mount on dark wood or stone so the pale leaves stand out.

Maintenance

Anubias is undemanding once settled. Fishing line can be removed after the plant gains a hold and the roots grip the hardscape on their own. Because growth is slow, slow-growing algae get a chance to establish on the long-lived leaves, so steady light and clean water matter more than feeding.

Common Challenges

The biggest mistakes are burying the rhizome, which causes rot, and expecting fast results. After division the plant can take several weeks to settle and start sprouting new leaves. With 'Pinto', too little light can let the green tissue dominate and dull the variegation, while a clean cut and exposed rhizome give the best chance of recovery.

Propagating Anubias Barteri: Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri is a robust West African epiphyte first described in 1860. The broadleaf form bears leathery leaves that can reach about 12 inches. Its rhizome remains above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, and the plant grows both partially and fully submerged. Hardy and low-light, it is an excellent, beginner-friendly choice.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Anubias barteri is propagated through rhizome division or by separating side shoots. The thick horizontal rhizome is cut into sections, each becoming a self-sufficient plant. Growth is slow, so be patient, but the technique is straightforward and very forgiving.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift the mother plant and rinse the rhizome to expose its full length.
2. With clean scissors, divide the rhizome into pieces, keeping at least 3-4 leaves with their roots on each section.
3. Mount each division on driftwood or rock — tie with thread or use a small line of super-glue gel, holding for about 30 seconds until set.
4. Return the divisions to the tank with the rhizome fully above the substrate.
5. Allow roots to grow over the hardscape, gradually anchoring the plant in place.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

• Lighting: low light is enough; in stronger light leaves grow more quickly and stay more compact.
• Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F).
• pH 6-7.5, GH 3-10.
• CO2 is not required; nutrients are drawn mainly from the water column.

Maintenance

Feed an all-in-one liquid fertilizer as needed, because rhizome plants absorb nutrients primarily from the water. The rhizome creeps horizontally while leaves rise vertically; with such slow growth, routine trimming is minimal. Remove any leaf that becomes heavily covered in algae.

Common Challenges

Propagating Anubias barteri 'Round Leaf'

Overview

Anubias barteri 'Round Leaf' is a cultivar of the West African aroid Anubias barteri, a species first described in 1860 and native to southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, and Bioko. Like all forms of the species it is an epiphyte: the leathery leaves rise from a thick creeping rhizome that stays above the substrate and clings to rocks and wood. The cultivar is slow growing and tolerant of a broad range of lighting, which makes it a forgiving, beginner-friendly plant.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias barteri is propagated by rhizome division or by separating side shoots. Because the plant grows from a horizontal rhizome rather than from cuttings of the leaves, you multiply it by cutting the rhizome into pieces, each carrying its own leaves and roots.

• Each division should keep at least 3-4 healthy leaves so it can support itself.
• Side shoots that have already formed their own leaves can simply be separated from the parent.
• Divisions are then tethered to hardscape, exactly as the mother plant grows in the wild on litter such as rocks and wood.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the clump and rinse off debris so you can see the full length of the rhizome.
2. Choose a point where each side will retain at least 3-4 leaves, then cut cleanly through the rhizome with sterile scissors or a sharp blade.
3. Attach each division to driftwood or rock using a line of super glue gel pressed onto the hardscape, or tie it down with thread or fishing line.
4. Press the rhizome firmly to the surface for about 30 seconds until the glue sets, keeping the rhizome itself fully exposed.
5. Return the divisions to the tank and allow several weeks for them to settle in and push new leaves.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This cultivar thrives in low light and tolerates a wide lighting range; in stronger light leaves form faster and stay more compact. Keep the water in the 22-28 C (72-82 F) range. No added CO2 is required. The leaves are hardy and tend not to melt when first submerged.

Maintenance

Growth is slow, so little trimming is needed. Allow several weeks after planting before expecting new leaves. Light fertilisation can speed the transition into a new tank, and removing the occasional old or damaged leaf keeps the round-leaved clump tidy and dense.

Common Challenges

The main challenge is patience: this is a slow grower that may take several weeks to start producing new leaves after division, so give it time before assuming a problem.

Propagating Anubias 'Stardust': Rhizome Division

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust' is a dwarf selection of Anubias barteri with finely white-speckled foliage. Like the species it derives from, it is an epiphyte: its rhizome stays above the substrate and the plant attaches to litter such as rocks and wood rather than rooting into the bottom.

Anubias barteri grows slowly, and 'Stardust' is no exception — its white speckling develops even more gradually than the plain green form. This makes propagation a patient, low-frequency task: divide established clumps rather than expecting fast turnover.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. Each division must keep a length of healthy rhizome carrying its own leaves and roots so it can survive and resume growth on its own.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift the parent plant and rinse the rhizome so you can see the leaf nodes and root clusters.
2. With clean, sharp scissors, cut the horizontal rhizome into pieces, leaving each piece with several leaves and its own roots.
3. Trim away any soft, rotten or damaged rhizome sections.
4. Position each division on a stone or piece of wood with the rhizome resting on top of the surface.
5. Secure it with fishing line or a dab of cyanoacrylate (super glue) gel until the roots take hold.
6. Return the attached divisions to the tank, keeping the rhizome uncovered.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Anubias barteri tolerates a wide range of lighting and prefers a temperature of roughly 22–28 °C (72–82 °F). It grows well both partly and fully submerged. Stable, slightly cooler water helps 'Stardust' keep its speckled variegation vibrant.

Maintenance

Because Anubias leaves survive for several years, slow-growing algae have time to settle on them. Keep flow gentle and steady, wipe or remove algae-covered older leaves, and avoid moving fresh divisions until they have anchored.

Common Challenges

• Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome in substrate — keep it fully exposed.
• Algae building up on the old, long-lived leaves of a slow grower.
• Slow recovery: divisions of this slow plant may take weeks to push new leaves, and speckling on 'Stardust' returns gradually.
• Detachment before rooting if line or glue is removed too early.

Propagating Anubias barteri 'Variegata'

Overview

'Variegata' is a cultivar of Anubias barteri, a West African Araceae species first described in 1860 from south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko. It carries cream-yellow variegation on green leaves. Because the pale tissue holds less chlorophyll, this cultivar grows even more slowly than the plain species and benefits from good light. Like all Anubias barteri it is an epiphyte whose rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood.

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, and new leaves emerge from it. To multiply 'Variegata', cut this stem into sections, each retaining enough variegated leaves and roots to survive on its own.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the parent plant and rinse the rhizome to reveal the leaf and root spacing.
2. Pick divisions that keep at least three to four leaves each, favouring pieces with healthy green and variegated tissue.
3. Cut the rhizome cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors so each section has its own leaves and roots.
4. Attach each division to driftwood or rock with a small line of super glue gel, pressing the roots for about 30 seconds, or tie it with thread until it anchors.
5. Place the divisions back with the rhizome fully exposed above the substrate.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Keep 'Variegata' at 22-28 C (72-82 F). Anubias barteri tolerates a range of lighting, and in stronger light the leaves grow more quickly and stay compact; this variegated form in particular benefits from good light to support its pale leaf areas. No CO2 is required, and it grows well partially or fully submersed.

Maintenance

Once attached, the cultivar needs little care. Its leathery leaves last a long time, so trimming is seldom needed. Remove any rotting or heavily variegated leaves that fail to thrive, and leave fresh rhizome growth undisturbed while it grips the hardscape.

Common Challenges

• Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome, the leading cause of loss.
• Very slow recovery, slower than the green species, because variegated tissue produces less energy.
• Weak or melting cream sections if light is too low for the cultivar.
• Loose attachment if glue or thread is removed before roots grip the hardscape.

Propagating Broad Coffee Anubias by Rhizome Division

Overview

Anubias barteri is a hardy West African aroid from the family Araceae, found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko island. It is an epiphyte: its thick horizontal rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, while leaves and roots grow from it. The 'Coffee Broad' form shows broad, deeply bullate (bumpy) leaves that emerge in a coffee-brown tone before darkening to olive green. Leathery leaves of the broadleaf type can reach up to 30 cm. The plant thrives both partially and fully submerged and grows slowly but reliably.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Anubias barteri is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. Because the rhizome is the thick horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots grow, each divided section must keep its own leaves and roots so it can survive and continue growing independently after being remounted.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a mature plant with a long rhizome carrying several leaves and a healthy root mass.
2. With clean, sharp scissors cut the rhizome into pieces, making sure each piece has its own leaves and roots.
3. Mount each piece on driftwood or rock using super glue gel or sewing thread: draw a small line of glue on the hardscape and press the roots firmly for about 30 seconds until set.
4. If you tie with thread, do not tie so tightly that the rhizome is damaged.
5. If you prefer substrate, bury only the roots and leave the rhizome resting on top.
6. Place divisions in gentle flow and shaded light, then leave them undisturbed to re-establish.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

• Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), the range this species prefers.
• Lighting: low to moderate; stronger light produces faster, more compact growth but can encourage algae on slow Anubias leaves.
• CO2 is not required for this undemanding epiphyte.
• Gentle water flow suits the broad, bullate leaves and keeps debris off them.

Maintenance

Once attached, the roots grow and wrap around the hardscape until the plant becomes difficult to remove. Keep the rhizome clear of substrate at all times, gently brush off settled detritus, and remove any old or damaged leaves at the base. Growth is slow, so patience is essential rather than frequent intervention.

Common Challenges

• Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome in substrate — keep it exposed.
• Algae on leaves due to slow growth under strong light — reduce lighting and improve flow.
• Slow recovery after division — divisions need time to settle before pushing new leaves.

Propagating Anubias Lanceolata: Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. lanceolata is a slow-growing West African aquatic plant of the family Araceae, with narrow lanceolate leaves that give it a more elegant look than the broad-leaf form. Like all Anubias barteri, it is an epiphyte: the rhizome stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood, and it grows well both partially and fully submersed.

Because it is leathery-leaved, hardy and tolerant of a wide range of lighting, it is one of the easiest aquarium plants to multiply at home. Propagation does not involve cutting stems, but dividing the rhizome.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias barteri can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. Each division should keep its own roots and several leaves so it can re-establish quickly. This is a vegetative method that produces clones of the parent plant.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the parent plant and gently rinse the rhizome so you can see its leaf nodes and roots.
2. Choose a point on the rhizome where you can cut a piece bearing at least 3-4 leaves with their own roots.
3. Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors, leaving the parent with enough leaves to recover.
4. Tie or glue each division to a piece of driftwood or rock, keeping the rhizome on top of, not buried in, the surface.
5. Return the divisions to the tank in a shaded spot and leave them undisturbed while new roots grip the surface.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting and should be placed in shaded areas, otherwise algae will develop on the leaves. In strong light the leaves grow faster and stay more compact, but the plant tolerates a range of lighting. It prefers a temperature range of 22-28 C and grows well partially and fully submersed. No added CO2 is required, and it feeds from both the water column and its roots.

Maintenance

• Keep the rhizome exposed at all times; replant only if it works loose from its anchor.
• Wipe or shade leaves if algae appears, since growth is slow and leaves are long-lived.
• Trim only old or damaged leaves at the base; the plant needs no regular cutting.
• Give divisions weeks to months to root firmly before moving them again.

Common Challenges

The most frequent mistake is burying the rhizome, which causes it to rot. Algae on the slow-growing leaves is a sign of too much light, so move the plant to shade. Because growth is slow, divisions need patience: do not expect rapid new leaves, and avoid disturbing freshly attached pieces.

Propagating Anubias 'Minima' (A. barteri var. angustifolia): Rhizome Division

Overview

Anubias 'Minima' is the narrow-leaved variety Anubias barteri var. angustifolia, a West African aroid (family Araceae). Anubias barteri occurs in south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and on Bioko, growing from a creeping rhizome that stays above the substrate, tethered to litter such as rocks and wood.

It is a slow-growing, hardy epiphyte that thrives in partial or full submersion, tolerates varied lighting and needs no CO2. As with all Anubias, propagation is by rhizome division rather than topping cuttings.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Anubias barteri propagates by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. A longer rhizome is cut into segments, and each segment develops into a new plant. Every division should retain enough leaves and roots to support itself while it re-establishes.

Step-by-Step

1. Select a mature plant whose rhizome has extended and bears several leaves.
2. With a clean, sharp blade, cut the rhizome into segments, each carrying 3-4 leaves and roots.
3. Tie or glue each segment to driftwood or rock, keeping the rhizome above the substrate and fully exposed.
4. Return the mount to the tank under suitable lighting and allow several weeks for new growth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

• Lighting: tolerant of varied levels; stronger light promotes faster, more compact growth, but keep it modest to avoid leaf algae.
• Temperature: roughly 22-28 C (72-82 F).
• CO2: not required.
• Placement: epiphytic on wood or rock; the slender leaves suit the midground.

Maintenance

Keep the rhizome and roots exposed and the water clean. Growth is slow, so allow several weeks for divisions to establish. Remove aging or algae-covered leaves at the base to maintain the elegant narrow-leaf form.

Common Challenges

Algae on slow-growing leaves is the most common complaint; balance lighting and keep organic waste low. New divisions are simply slow to settle, so patience is required.

Propagating Anubias barteri var. nana 'Mini Pinto'

Overview

'Mini Pinto' is a tiny variegated form of Anubias barteri var. nana, one of four recognised varieties of Anubias barteri alongside angustifolia, caladiifolia and glabra. Anubias barteri is a West African Araceae species first described in 1860 from south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko. 'Mini Pinto' has small white-marbled leaves and is a prized collector plant; the heavy white marbling makes it the slowest-growing of these cultivars. Like all the species it is an epiphyte with a rhizome that stays above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood.

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, and new leaves grow out of it. Because 'Mini Pinto' is so small and slow, divide it sparingly and keep each piece generous, cutting the rhizome into sections that each retain enough leaves and roots to survive.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift the parent plant gently and rinse the rhizome to see the leaf and root spacing.
2. Choose divisions that keep at least three to four leaves each so the small plant has enough reserves.
3. Cut the rhizome cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors, giving every section its own leaves and roots.
4. Attach each division to driftwood or rock with a tiny line of super glue gel, pressing the roots for about 30 seconds, or tie it with thread until it anchors.
5. Return the divisions with the rhizome fully exposed above the substrate.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Keep 'Mini Pinto' at 22-28 C (72-82 F). Anubias barteri tolerates a range of lighting; in stronger light leaves grow more quickly and stay compact, and this heavily variegated form needs good light to feed its white leaf areas. No CO2 is required, and it grows well partially or fully submersed.

Maintenance

Once attached, this nano cultivar needs very little intervention. Its small leathery leaves last a long time, so trimming is rare. Remove any melted or rotting leaves at the base and leave new rhizome growth undisturbed while it grips the hardscape.

Common Challenges

• Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome, especially costly on a rare collector plant.
• Extremely slow recovery, the slowest of these cultivars due to heavy white variegation.
• Melting white leaf sections if light is too low.
• Over-division: cutting a tiny plant into too many weak pieces that fail to establish.

Propagating Anubias Nana: Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana is a dwarf, slow-growing epiphyte from West Africa. It grows with its rhizome — the thick horizontal stem from which all leaves and roots emerge — resting above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood rather than rooted in the ground. This hardy, low-light plant is ideal for beginners and tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Anubias nana is propagated by rhizome division, optionally by separating side shoots. You cut the horizontal rhizome into sections and grow each as an independent plant. Because growth is very slow, expect propagation to take time, but the method is reliable and undemanding.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the mother plant and rinse the rhizome to see its structure clearly.
2. Using clean scissors, cut the rhizome into pieces so each section keeps at least 3-4 leaves along with their roots.
3. Attach each division to driftwood or rock — tie it with sewing thread or press it onto a thin line of super-glue gel for about 30 seconds until set.
4. Place the mounted divisions back in the tank with the rhizome fully exposed above the substrate.
5. Over time the roots will grow and wrap around the hardscape, anchoring the plant firmly.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

• Lighting: low light is sufficient; under stronger light leaves grow faster and stay more compact.
• Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F).
• pH 6-7.5, GH 3-10.
• CO2 is not required; the plant absorbs nutrients mainly from the water column.

Maintenance

Dose an all-in-one liquid fertilizer as needed, since rhizome plants feed largely through the water column. Wipe slow-growing leaves if algae appears, and let the rhizome creep horizontally while leaves rise vertically. Little routine trimming is needed thanks to the very slow growth rate.

Common Challenges

Propagating Anubias barteri 'Pangolino'

Overview

Anubias barteri 'Pangolino' is a dwarf cultivar of Anubias barteri, the West African aroid first described in 1860 and found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, and Bioko. It is regarded as the smallest Anubias, with tiny narrow textured leaves on a fine creeping rhizome. As an epiphyte it grows tethered to rocks and wood rather than rooted in substrate, and like the whole species it is a very slow grower.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Pangolino is propagated by rhizome division or by separating side shoots, just like its parent species. The miniature rhizome is cut into pieces, each keeping its own leaves and roots; leaf cuttings are not used. Because the plant is so small, divisions are correspondingly delicate.

• Aim to keep at least 3-4 leaves on each tiny division so it can sustain itself.
• Separating an established side shoot is the gentlest way to make a new plant.
• Mount divisions onto small stones or twigs, echoing how the species attaches to litter such as rocks and wood.

Step-by-Step

1. Lift the clump and gently rinse it so the slender rhizome is visible.
2. Find a point that leaves at least 3-4 leaves on each side and make one clean cut with sterile scissors.
3. Fix each division to a small stone or twig with a dot of super glue gel, or tie it with fine thread.
4. Press for about 30 seconds until the glue sets, keeping the rhizome itself exposed above the surface.
5. Return the divisions to clean, gently flowing water and allow several weeks for new growth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Like all Anubias barteri forms, Pangolino tolerates a broad lighting range and grows fine in modest light; in stronger light leaves come faster and stay compact. Keep the temperature in the 22-28 C (72-82 F) range with clean water and gentle flow. No CO2 is required, and the hardy leaves resist melting on submersion.

Maintenance

This is an extremely slow grower, so trimming is rarely needed. Give divisions several weeks to settle before expecting fresh leaves. A light fertiliser dose eases the transition into a new tank, and removing any decaying leaf promptly keeps the nano clump healthy.

Common Challenges

Patience is the biggest challenge: as the smallest and slowest Anubias, Pangolino can take several weeks to show new leaves after division, so resist the urge to disturb it.

Propagating Anubias Petite: Rhizome Division Guide

Overview

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite' is the smallest Anubias in the hobby, prized for its tiny deep-green leaves and easy care. Like all Anubias, it is an epiphyte: it grows from a thick horizontal rhizome that creeps along hardscape rather than rooting in substrate, sending leaves upward as it advances. Because it is so slow-growing and reaches only a couple of centimetres tall, propagation is mostly about patience rather than technique.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Anubias is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. You simply cut the thick horizontal stem into pieces, making sure every piece keeps several healthy leaves and a portion of roots. Each division then becomes an independent plant that can be tied or glued onto its own piece of hardscape.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the parent plant and gently rinse the rhizome so you can see the leaf and root nodes.
2. With clean scissors or a blade, cut the rhizome into sections, leaving each piece several leaves and some roots.
3. Attach each division to a small rock or piece of driftwood: draw a thin line of super-glue gel on the hardscape and press the roots in place for about 30 seconds, or bind it on with sewing thread.
4. Keep the rhizome fully exposed on top of the hardscape, never under substrate.
5. Return the mounted divisions to the tank in a low-light, gently flowing spot and wait for new leaves.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Petite thrives in low light and tolerates a wide range of conditions, with a comfortable temperature of about 22-28 C. In stronger light leaves grow a little faster and stay more compact, but bright light is never required. No CO2 is needed. Because it attaches to hardscape, it works equally well partially or fully submersed.

Maintenance

Maintenance is minimal: there is no trimming schedule for such a slow plant. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves at the rhizome, keep flow moving across the leaves to discourage algae on the slow-growing surfaces, and let new roots grip the hardscape until the division is firmly anchored.

Common Challenges

• Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome in substrate - keep it exposed.
• Very slow recovery: divisions can take weeks to push new leaves, which is normal for this species.
• Algae on old leaves because growth is so slow; steady flow and low light help.
• Cutting pieces too small with too few leaves, which weakens the division.

Propagating Anubias 'Snow White'

Overview

Anubias 'Snow White' is a cultivar of Anubias barteri var. nana selected for pale white to cream leaves that gradually green with age. The reduced chlorophyll that gives it the colour also means it grows even more slowly than ordinary nana, making it a prized collector's plant.

Anubias barteri itself is a West African rhizome plant from Nigeria, Cameroon and Bioko. As with the parent species, 'Snow White' keeps its rhizome above the substrate and tethers to rocks and wood rather than rooting in soil.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

'Snow White' is multiplied by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots, not by stem cuttings. Because its tissue carries little chlorophyll, each division has limited energy reserves, so divisions should be generous and the light reasonably good to help them recover.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the plant and find the rhizome 10-15 cm long beneath the leaves.
2. Pick a cut point so each division keeps three to four leaves and its own roots.
3. Cut through the rhizome with clean, sharp scissors.
4. Attach each division to a stone or tree root with fishing line until it gains a hold.
5. Place it under moderate light and leave it to root undisturbed.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Snow White' needs no CO2 and tolerates a range of lighting, but its low chlorophyll means good (not blinding) light helps it hold its colour and grow. A temperature of 22-28 C suits it, and slow growth lets its long-lived leaves persist for years.

• Light: moderate and steady; the pale leaves photosynthesise less, so do not leave it in deep shade.
• Temperature: 22-28 C.
• CO2: not required, though stable conditions help a slow grower.
• Placement: epiphyte attached to rock or wood.

Maintenance

Leaves survive for several years, so trimming is rare. Remove any leaf that melts or yellows, watch for algae on the slow, durable foliage, and avoid moving freshly divided pieces until their roots grip the hardscape.

Common Challenges

The biggest pitfalls are rhizome rot from burial and very slow recovery after division because the white tissue produces little energy. Algae find the long-lived leaves an easy home, so balance light carefully and keep flow gentle.

Sources

1. Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), IUCN Red List (Anubias barteri: Least Concern)