Anubias Barteri Care: Planting and Propagation
By Pro Shrimp | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to care for Anubias barteri, including planting, propagation, and common mistakes. This guide covers rhizome care, low light needs, and tips for the Coin Leaf variety.
Quick Answer
Anubias barteri is a low-maintenance aquarium plant that thrives in low light. The key to success is never burying the rhizome—attach it to hardscape instead. Propagation is done by cutting the rhizome, and the Coin Leaf variety offers a unique rounded leaf shape.
Why Anubias Barteri Is a Great Choice for Beginners
Anubias barteri is one of the most forgiving aquarium plants available. It grows slowly, tolerates a wide range of water conditions, and thrives in low light. This makes it ideal for aquarists who want a lush, green look without the hassle of high-tech CO2 systems or intense lighting.
The Coin Leaf cultivar (Anubias barteri 'Coin Leaf') features nearly circular leaves that are 4-6 cm in diameter, with a rich deep green color. Its slow, creeping growth habit adds a natural, elegant feel to any aquascape.
Common Mistakes When Planting Anubias
The most frequent error is burying the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in the substrate. This causes rot and eventual plant death. Always attach Anubias to wood, rock, or decor using thread or aquarium-safe glue. The roots can grow into the substrate, but the rhizome must stay exposed.
Another mistake is placing it in high light without CO2 supplementation. While Anubias tolerates low light, very bright light can encourage algae growth on the leaves. Keep it in shaded areas or under moderate lighting for best results.
Step-by-Step Anubias Barteri Care
- Choose the Right Location: Select a spot in your aquarium with low to moderate light. Avoid direct high light unless you have CO2 injection. Anubias can be placed in shaded areas under taller plants or hardscape. Checkpoint: If leaves develop algae, move the plant to a shadier spot. Anubias does not need high light to thrive.
- Attach the Rhizome to Hardscape: Use cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe super glue to attach the rhizome to driftwood, lava rock, or aquarium decor. Ensure the rhizome is not buried in the substrate—only the roots should touch the gravel or sand. Common mistake: Burying the rhizome causes rot. Always keep it above the substrate.
- Water and Fertilize Sparingly: Anubias is a slow grower and does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer once a week is sufficient. Avoid root tabs near the rhizome as they can cause rot. Checkpoint: If leaves turn yellow, reduce fertilizer. Anubias is sensitive to excess nutrients.
- Propagate by Cutting the Rhizome: Once the plant has several leaves and a healthy rhizome, use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the rhizome into sections. Each section should have at least 3-4 leaves and a portion of roots. Reattach the new pieces to hardscape. Common mistake: Cutting too small a piece may not survive. Ensure each section has enough leaves to photosynthesize.
- Monitor for Pests and Algae: Anubias leaves are tough but can attract algae if light is too high or water flow is poor. Remove any algae manually or reduce lighting. Also check for snails that may hitchhike on new plants. Checkpoint: If you see black beard algae, reduce light duration and increase water circulation around the plant.
Recommended Products for Anubias Care
- Anubias barteri Coin Leaf Tropica: Anubias 'Coin Leaf' is a captivating cultivar of Anubias barteri. With its nearly circular leaves, measuring 4-6 cm in diameter, and a rich deep green colour, this variant stands out. Its growth is slow and creeping, making it an ideal choice for aquarists seeking low-maintenance plants. Thriving in relatively low light, Anubias 'Coin Leaf' is an easy-to-grow plant that adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium. If you want a compact, low-growing Anubias with a unique leaf shape, the Coin Leaf variety is perfect for foreground or midground placement. Its slow growth means less trimming, and its low light tolerance reduces the need for expensive lighting upgrades.
