Propagating Anubias 'Stardust': Rhizome Division

How to propagate the white-speckled Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust' by rhizome division, then tie or glue it to wood or stone without burying the rhizome.

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

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