Anubias barteri 'Variegata' Care Guide
Anubias barteri 'Variegata' is a variegated cultivar of the African epiphyte Anubias barteri, a slow-growing rhizome plant kept attached to wood or rock.
Overview
Anubias barteri 'Variegata' is a variegated cultivar of the African species Anubias barteri, family Araceae. It is an epiphyte grown attached to wood or rock. The variegation reduces the leaf area available for photosynthesis, so this cultivar grows even more slowly than typical anubias.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri 'Variegata'
- Type: variegated cultivar of A. barteri
Habitat
The parent species Anubias barteri occurs in south-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon and on Bioko. Within the genus, the plants grow primarily in rivers and streams and may also be found in marshes, favouring shaded aquatic environments. As a cultivar, 'Variegata' has no wild range of its own.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Maximum height: about 25 cm
- Placement: epiphyte (wood, rock)
Growth and placement
Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting, and stronger light promotes faster, more compact growth. Because the variegated leaves have less green tissue, this cultivar is slow even by anubias standards. The rhizome must stay above the substrate, attached to wood or rock, as a buried rhizome may rot.
Propagation
Propagation is by dividing the rhizome or separating side shoots; each division must keep healthy variegated leaves and a portion of rhizome before re-attachment.