Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; leaves last several years

Size

10–40 cm tall (petioles may exceed 40 cm)

Temperature

22〜26℃

Watering

Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

Lighting

Tolerates low light. Its long-lived leaves collect algae under strong light, so semi-shade suits it.

CO2 & Fertilizer

Grows without CO2; additions speed growth.

Water Temperature & Quality

Optimum 22–26°C; grows at pH 5–8.

Substrate & Attachment

The rhizome rots easily if buried. Tie it to driftwood or stone with fishing line, or plant it with the rhizome resting on top of the substrate.

Trimming & Propagation

Propagate by dividing the rhizome; trim old leaves at the base if the clump spreads too far.

Cautions

It can exceed 50 cm across in a few years, so it suits large tanks; emersed leaves dry out easily. Never release plants into the wild.

About Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

The largest Anubias barteri variety, known for heart-shaped leaf bases and lush, layered green foliage. Slow-growing and long-lived, it's an easy choice for aquascaping beginners.

7 things to know before growing Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

1. 1Light: shade is fine

   Bright, direct light can encourage algae on the leaves, so a spot with gentle, indirect light suits this plant best. It tolerates lower light than many aquatic plants, making it easy to place toward the back or in shaded areas of a tank.

2. 2Not fussy about water

   This variety adapts to a wide range of water conditions, which is why it's considered beginner-friendly. Even first-time aquatic gardeners can grow it successfully once they know the basics.

3. 3Attach it, don't bury it

   Burying the rhizome in substrate tends to cause rot, so the standard approach is to tie or glue it to driftwood or rock. A light thread or cotton wrap until it takes hold is usually enough to keep it in place.

4. 4Propagate by division

   Once the rhizome has grown, you can cut it into sections a few centimeters long, each with leaves and roots attached, and fix them to driftwood or rock. Growth slows right after dividing, so give the new pieces time to settle in.

5. 5Grows slowly, patiently

   Growth is gentle and unhurried, with individual leaves lasting for years. It takes time to fill out, but given several years a single plant can spread into a colony over 50cm wide, so it rewards patience.

6. 6Wipe off algae buildup

   Because the leaves stick around for so long, algae or grime can gradually build up on their surface. A gentle wipe with a soft sponge or your fingers removes it without damaging the leaf.

7. 7How to choose a plant

   A mature plant's hallmark is a deeply heart-shaped leaf base, so look for that shape when choosing one. Pick a plant with a firm rhizome and no mushy or melted-looking leaves.

Frequently asked questions about Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

Q.Is this a good plant for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered beginner-friendly. It adapts to a wide range of water conditions, so even first-time growers can manage it once they know the basics.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It typically reaches 10 to 40cm in height, with the leaf stalks alone sometimes exceeding 40cm. Given several years, a mature plant can spread into a colony more than 50cm wide.

Q.Do I need to plant it in substrate?

A.No, burying the rhizome in substrate tends to cause it to rot, so it's normally attached to driftwood or rock instead. Once it takes hold, it grows steadily from there.

Q.How long do the leaves last?

A.It's a perennial, and individual leaves typically last for several years. As long-lived leaves accumulate and overlap, the whole plant gradually gains more volume.

Q.Does it grow quickly?

A.Growth is slow and steady rather than fast, so its appearance doesn't change dramatically week to week. Over several years, though, it can develop into a large, full colony.

Handy Growing Tools for Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

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