Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia
Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia is a striking aquatic plant known for its deeply ridged leaves, where the veins stand out in bold relief to create a rippled texture reminiscent of coffee tree foliage. New leaves emerge in warm orange-brown to reddish-brown tones before gradually deepening into rich dark green as they mature, a color transformation that adds ongoing visual interest. Staying compact at roughly 15 to 25 cm in height, it works well as a mid-to-background element in aquascapes of many sizes. This hardy perennial can even produce flowers when grown submerged under favorable conditions. Its leaves are notably long-lasting and resistant to damage, and established plants can be propagated and maintained through division, making this an approachable choice even for those new to aquatic gardening.
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Apply as a growerAnubias barteri var. coffeifolia key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial; long-lived leaves, maintained by division
- Size
- 15–25 cm tall
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Watering
- Grows without CO2 or fertiliser
- Lighting
- Tolerates low light. Moderate light shows off the red-brown flush, but very strong light invites algae on the leaves.
- CO2 & Fertilizer
- Can be kept without CO2; additions speed growth slightly.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Optimum 22–26°C; grows at pH 5–8 and is not fussy about water.
- 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
- Growth is very slow. Propagate by dividing the rhizome and remove only damaged old leaves.
- Cautions
- Among A. barteri forms it is particularly slow, so choose a plant with plenty of leaves. Never release plants into the wild.
About Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia
Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia is an aquatic plant with rippled, ridged leaves and orange-brown new growth. Staying 15-25 cm tall, this hardy perennial is easy for beginners and can be maintained long-term through division.
7 things to know before growing Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia
1Lighting placement
Anubias grows well under moderate to slightly low light rather than direct, intense illumination, since strong light for long hours encourages black beard algae on the leaves. Placing it toward the back of the tank or in partial shade helps keep the leaf color rich and healthy.
2Water quality and changes
This is a hardy plant that grows across a pH range of about 5 to 8 and isn't fussy about water chemistry. Regular water changes that keep the tank stable will help new leaves unfurl smoothly.
3Attach, don't bury
Burying the roots in substrate can lead to rot, so the standard method is tying the rhizome to driftwood or rock with thread or moss cotton. After a few weeks it attaches on its own, and the tie can then be removed.
4Trimming and division
Established plants can be propagated by dividing the rhizome into sections. When growth becomes dense, trim off old or damaged leaves at the base to maintain good airflow and light penetration.
5Water temperature care
It grows best when kept within a stable tropical-fish-friendly temperature range. Extended cold spells or frequent temperature swings, especially around seasonal changes, can slow new leaf development.
6Choosing a healthy plant
Look for a specimen with minimal blackened or melted patches on the leaves and a firm, intact rhizome, as these establish more reliably. A plant already showing multiple new shoots tends to continue growing well afterward.
7Preventing algae buildup
Because this plant grows slowly, algae can accumulate on its leaves more easily than on faster growers. Balanced lighting along with algae-eating tankmates helps the leaves keep their deep green color.
Frequently asked questions about Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia
- Q.Is this suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's generally considered a beginner-friendly plant since it doesn't require intensive water or light management. As a hardy perennial, it can be enjoyed long-term with basic routine care.
- Q.Does it need to be planted in substrate?
- A.No, the standard approach is to attach it to driftwood or rock rather than planting it in substrate. Burying the roots can lead to rot, so this method should be avoided.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It typically stays around 15 to 25 cm in height, making it easy to place in the mid-to-background of an aquascape. Since it doesn't grow especially large, it also suits more compact tanks.
- Q.Is it a problem that the new leaves aren't green?
- A.This is completely normal. New leaves emerge in orange-brown to reddish-brown tones and gradually shift to a deep, settled green as they mature, and this color change is one of the plant's characteristic traits.
- Q.How can I propagate it?
- A.As the plant grows, its rhizome extends and can be divided into separate sections to create new plants. After dividing, each section should be attached to driftwood or rock to continue growing.
Handy Growing Tools for Anubias barteri var. coffeifolia
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