Anubias Coffeefolia (Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia) Care Guide
A distinctive Anubias variety with deeply ribbed leaves that emerge with a rich reddish-brown color before maturing to dark green.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia is an aquatic plant in the family Araceae. A distinctive Anubias variety with deeply ribbed leaves that emerge with a rich reddish-brown color before maturing to dark green. Its textured coffee-plant-like foliage and compact growth make it an attractive focal point on driftwood or rocks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Anubias
- Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia
- Other names: Coffee Leaf Anubias
Habitat
A cultivated variety of Anubias barteri, originally native to West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana). Grows in shaded streams and on damp riverbanks; in nature it is an epiphyte rooting on rocks and submerged wood rather than in soil.
Growth requirements
- Light: low (≈30-50 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: not applicable (attached to wood or stone)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: beginner
Placement
- Recommended placement: epiphyte (attached to wood or stone)
- Maximum height: 20 cm
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by rhizome division.
Propagating Anubias coffeefolia by Rhizome Division
Overview
Anubias coffeefolia is a variety of Anubias barteri, a West African species whose leathery leaves emerge reddish-brown before maturing to dark green. It is an epiphyte: its rhizome remains above the substrate, tethered to rocks and wood. It is slow-growing and tolerates a wide range of lighting, including low light, with a preferred temperature of 22-28 C.
Propagation Method
Anubias barteri can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by separating side shoots. You cut the thick horizontal rhizome into pieces, leaving each section with several leaves so it can support itself while regrowing.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a healthy plant and cut the rhizome into pieces, each keeping at least three to four leaves.
- Attach each piece to driftwood or rock with super glue gel, pressing the roots in place for about 30 seconds until set.
- Alternatively, tie it on with sewing thread, or wedge it into a crack in a rock.
- Keep the rhizome exposed above the surface at all times.
- Over time the roots grow and wrap around the hardscape, anchoring the plant firmly.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
This Anubias grows both partially and fully submerged and prefers 22-28 C. In strong light the leaves grow faster and stay more compact, but it tolerates low light well, which makes it forgiving. Because it is slow, give new divisions time before expecting fresh leaves.
Maintenance
Little routine pruning is needed thanks to the slow growth. When attaching with thread, do not tie so tightly that the rhizome is damaged. Remove any old or melting leaves, and keep the rhizome clear of debris so it does not begin to rot.
Common Challenges
- Rhizome rot: almost always caused by burying the rhizome instead of leaving it exposed.
- Slow recovery: divisions take time to push new leaves; this is normal for the species.
- Loose mounts: glue or thread that fails before roots grip; re-secure until roots anchor.
- Leggy growth: very low light keeps leaves spaced; brighter light keeps them compact.