Anubias Wrinkled Leaf care guide
Anubias Wrinkled Leaf (Anubias barteri var. glabra) — low light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.8, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias Wrinkled Leaf (Anubias barteri var. glabra) is a narrow-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Variety of Anubias barteri with elongated, slightly wrinkled lance-shaped leaves. Robust epiphyte that tolerates very low light and works well in shaded midground areas attached to wood.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. glabra
- Common synonyms: Anubias barteri var. glabra
Habitat
Anubias species are aroids native to tropical West and Central Africa, growing on rocks, logs and stream banks both submersed and emersed in shaded forest streams. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from West Africa.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.8
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: low
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground. It is best fixed by rhizome to wood or rock; the rhizome must remain above the substrate, otherwise it rots. Shading by taller plants reduces algae on the slow-growing leaves.
Propagation
This species is multiplied vegetatively by rhizome division, each cut section retaining at least one leaf and a root cluster before being re-attached to hardscape.
Common issues
Anubias rot, a soft blackened rhizome, usually follows substrate burial or chronic poor water quality; spot and brush algae on old leaves are controlled by lower light and leaf removal.
Propagating Anubias barteri var. glabra (Wrinkled Leaf)
Overview
Anubias barteri var. glabra is one of the four recognised varieties of Anubias barteri, a leathery-leaved aroid from southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, and Bioko, first described in 1860. The glabra form carries elongated, lance-shaped, slightly wrinkled leaves on a creeping rhizome. Like the rest of the species it is an epiphyte that grows attached to wood and rock rather than rooted in soil, and it is slow growing and undemanding.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
This variety is multiplied by rhizome division or by separating side shoots. New plants are not taken as leaf cuttings; instead the horizontal rhizome is cut into sections, each retaining leaves and roots so it can grow on independently.
- Keep at least 3-4 healthy leaves on every division.
- Established side shoots can be detached from the parent and treated as new plants.
- Each division is then anchored to hardscape, mirroring how the species clings to rocks and wood in nature.
Step-by-Step
- Lift the plant and rinse the rhizome so its full length is visible.
- Pick a cut point that leaves at least 3-4 leaves on each side and slice cleanly through the rhizome with sterile scissors or a blade.
- Glue each division to driftwood or rock with a line of super glue gel, or tie it with thread or fishing line.
- Hold the rhizome against the surface for about 30 seconds until the glue sets, keeping the rhizome itself exposed.
- Place the divisions back in the tank and wait several weeks for them to acclimatise and grow new leaves.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
The glabra variety thrives in low light and tolerates a broad lighting range; brighter light produces faster, more compact growth. Hold the temperature at 22-28 C (72-82 F). CO2 injection is not needed, and the leaves are hardy enough that they rarely melt when first submerged.
Maintenance
Because growth is slow, routine trimming is minimal. Expect a settling-in period of several weeks before new leaves appear. A light dose of fertiliser helps the plant adjust to a new tank, and pruning away aged leaves keeps the narrow, wrinkled foliage looking clean.
Common Challenges
The slow growth rate is the main test of patience. After dividing, the variety can take several weeks to push out new leaves, so wait before concluding that something is wrong.