Anubias barteri, lat. Anubias barteri- Ареал Anubias barteri var. nana distribution
- Anubias dwarf, lat. Anubias barteri var. nana
- Anubias barteri var. nana coin leaf
- Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia
- Anubias barteri var. angustifolia afzellii
Family: Araceae;
Genus: Anubias;
Species and synonyms: Anubias barteri (Anubias barteri, Anubias lanceolata, Anubias minima).
GBIF:
Anubias barteri (lat. Anubias barteri) is a species of freshwater rhizomatous plant from the family Araceae. One of the most popular and undemanding aquarium plants, widely used in aquascaping.
Distribution. The natural range of Anubias barteri covers West and Central Africa: Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria and other countries. The plant is found along riverbanks, in ditches, ponds and swamps, often growing in emersed form and becoming fully submerged during floods.
Care requirements. Anubias barteri is one of the most undemanding aquarium plants. It grows well both fully submerged and in paludariums. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.0–8.0, hardness 2–15 dGH. The plant is shade-tolerant and does not require bright lighting; moreover, excess light can trigger algae growth on the leaves. CO2 injection is not required, although it may accelerate growth.
Planting and care. The most important rule when planting Anubias is **not to bury the rhizome in the substrate**, as this leads to rotting and plant death. The rhizome must remain above the substrate. The best placement method is attaching the plant to driftwood, stone or other decoration using fishing line, thread or special glue. The plant can also be planted in the substrate, but only if the rhizome remains on the surface and only the roots go into the substrate. To maintain plant health, weekly water changes of 20% and liquid fertilizer application are recommended.
Special features. Anubias barteri has tough, leathery leaves that are practically not damaged by herbivorous fish (goldfish, mbuna cichlids). This makes it indispensable for aquariums with plant-eating species. Under favorable conditions, Anubias can flower underwater.