Propagating Anubias Nana 'Pinto': Rhizome Division Guide

How to propagate the variegated Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto' by rhizome division, attach it to hardscape and keep its white-green leaves healthy.

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

Lift or detach the parent plant and rinse off debris so the full rhizome is visible.
Pick a point on the rhizome that leaves 3-4 leaves with their roots on each side of the cut.
Cut cleanly with sharp, sterilised scissors or a blade.
Attach each division to a stone or piece of wood using fishing line or a dab of cyanoacrylate (super) glue gel on the roots.
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.