Propagating Anubias Nana 'Marble': Rhizome Division Guide

How to propagate the marbled Anubias barteri var. nana 'Marble' by rhizome division, mount it on wood or stone and keep its cream-green foliage thriving.

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.