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Anubias barteri var. barteri
BeginnerAnubias barteri var. barteri
The type variety of Anubias barteri, with broad, thick, leathery leaves. It grows larger than var. nana and even young plants can be told apart by their longer petioles. Tough enough to survive herbivorous fish and dim tanks.
About
Anubias barteri var. barteri is an aroid (Araceae) named after the plant collector Charles Barter. It grows in shaded, fast-flowing streams in Guinea, Cameroon and south-eastern Nigeria, clinging to rocks and fallen trunks, mostly emersed or half-submerged and rarely fully under water. Leathery broad leaves rise from a creeping rhizome, reaching about 20–30 cm in the aquarium and 25–40 cm under good conditions. Young plants are separated from var. nana by their longer petioles, and the rhizome tends to grow upwards rather than along the substrate. It grows in low light without CO2 and is indifferent to hardness and pH; with strong light and CO2 it grows faster and larger, but because leaves last a long time they easily collect algae, so a shaded spot is usual. Herbivorous fish leave it alone, which makes it useful in cichlid tanks. It is a staple widely sold in Japanese aquarium shops, sometimes as large XL plants.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Anubias barteri var. barteri
The Anubias barteri var. barteri grows to 20–40 cm tall (in aquaria).
Temperature & humidity for the Anubias barteri var. barteri
The ideal temperature for the Anubias barteri var. barteri is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
West Africa (Guinea, Cameroon, south-eastern Nigeria)
Lifespan
Perennial; leaves last for years and plants can be kept indefinitely by dividing the rhizome
Size
20–40 cm tall (in aquaria)
Temperature
22〜26℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser; additions speed up growth
Growing Tips
Lighting
Grows well in low light. Strong light encourages algae on the long-lived leaves, so place it in the shade of larger plants or wood.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2; CO2 and fertiliser make it grow faster and larger.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 22–26°C. Hardness and pH matter little (grows at pH 5–8). Good water flow helps keep algae off the leaves.
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
Slow-growing. Propagate by cutting the rhizome, ideally at points with side shoots.
Cautions
Grows large, so it suits the mid- or background. Never release plants into the wild; drain and bin unwanted material.
Anubias barteri var. barteri FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Anubias barteri var. barteri?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. barteri?
The ideal temperature for Anubias barteri var. barteri is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Anubias barteri var. barteri get?
The mature size of Anubias barteri var. barteri is 20–40 cm tall (in aquaria). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Anubias barteri var. barteri?
Anubias barteri var. barteri: watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2 or fertiliser; additions speed up growth. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Anubias barteri var. barteri?
The price of Anubias barteri var. barteri varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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