Anubias barteri var. glabra

Anubias barteri var. glabra key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; maintained by division

Size

10–20 cm tall

Temperature

22〜26℃

Watering

Grows without CO2 or fertiliser

Lighting

Thrives almost anywhere but avoid strong light; shade under larger plants keeps algae down.

CO2 & Fertilizer

Can be kept without CO2.

Water Temperature & Quality

Optimum 22–26°C; grows at pH 5–8.

Substrate & Attachment

Can be tied to stone or wood, wedged between rocks or fixed to the glass with suction cups. If planted, keep the rhizome above the substrate.

Trimming & Propagation

Very slow-growing. Propagate by dividing the rhizome.

Cautions

Sold under names such as 'minima', 'lanceolata' or 'afzelii', and size varies by plant. Never release plants into the wild.

About Anubias barteri var. glabra

Anubias barteri var. glabra features slender, elongated leaves, a striking contrast to rounder nana or barteri varieties. Tough and shade-tolerant, this beginner-friendly aquatic plant can be propagated by division for years of enjoyment.

7 things to know before growing Anubias barteri var. glabra

1. 1Thrives in Low Light

   Anubias barteri var. glabra grows well even under low light, so a spot in partial shade within the tank often works better than strong direct lighting, which can encourage algae growth. It's a forgiving plant that doesn't demand intense illumination.

2. 2Attach to Wood or Rock

   Because burying the roots in substrate can cause rot, the standard method is to tie or clip the plant onto driftwood or stone until it attaches naturally. This process typically takes a few weeks to a few months.

3. 3Keep the Rhizome Exposed

   The thick stem-like rhizome from which the leaves grow should never be buried in substrate or wool, as this leads to rot. When attaching or planting, make sure the rhizome stays fully exposed above the surface.

4. 4Flexible on Water Conditions

   This variety adapts well to a wide range of temperatures and water chemistry, thriving in typical tropical fish tank conditions without fussy adjustments. Just avoid extreme heat or sudden shifts in water quality.

5. 5No CO2 Injection Required

   Thanks to its tolerance for low light, this plant grows well without added CO2. Injecting CO2 can deepen leaf color, but it remains easy to keep even in a non-CO2 setup.

6. 6Propagate by Dividing

   As the rhizome lengthens and produces more leaves, you can propagate the plant by cutting the rhizome into sections with a clean blade. Each section can then be attached to its own piece of driftwood or stone to keep growing.

7. 7Choose Firm Leaves and Roots

   When selecting a specimen, check for leaves free of blackened or melting patches and a firm, healthy rhizome and root system. Healthy plants have slender, taut leaves and a rhizome in a bright green to brownish color.

Frequently asked questions about Anubias barteri var. glabra

Q.How is it different from Anubias nana?

A.Both belong to the Anubias barteri group, but var. glabra has narrower, elliptical-to-lanceolate leaves compared to nana's rounder foliage. It's sometimes sold under names like "minima" or "lanceolata."

Q.Can I plant it directly in the substrate?

A.It's not recommended, since burying the rhizome in substrate tends to cause rot. Instead, attach it to driftwood or stone, or rest it on the substrate surface with the rhizome left exposed.

Q.Will it grow in a low-light tank?

A.Yes, this variety is naturally tolerant of low light and grows well even under dim lighting or in shaded corners of the tank.

Q.How big does it get?

A.It typically grows to about 10-20cm in height, slightly larger than nana on average, but still a compact aquatic plant overall.

Q.When and how do I divide the plant?

A.Once the rhizome has lengthened and grown enough leaves, cut it into sections with a clean blade. Each section can then be attached to its own piece of driftwood or stone and will continue growing.

Handy Growing Tools for Anubias barteri var. glabra

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