Anubias Barteri Butterfly

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Butterfly Anubias

Synonyms

Anubias barteri var. barteri; Anubias lanceolata

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Cameroon, West and Central Africa

Habitat

Grows along shaded riverbanks and streams, often partially emersed on rocks and roots in tropical rainforest waterways

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

5 – 10 in (13 – 25 cm)

Spread

10 in (25 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

3 – 15 dGH

PAR

20 – 50 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Low

CO₂

Not needed

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Leaves spread outward into broad, wing-like lobes that give this cultivar its name, eventually stretching to 16 inches tall as the plant matures on hardscape. It fills midground or background space in low-tech aquariums and paludariums without demanding elevated light or added CO2. The rhizome should stay above the substrate line.

Care

This large-leaved cultivar of Anubias barteri tolerates a wide range of water conditions and low light, making it a dependable choice for beginners and low-tech tanks. It should be fastened to driftwood or rock rather than planted in substrate, since a buried rhizome tends to rot. Growth is slow, so leaves accumulate little damage but also collect algae and debris over time, which benefits from occasional wiping during water changes.

Planting & trimming

Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or other hardscape using cotton thread or fishing line, keeping the rhizome itself above the substrate at all times since burial leads to rot. Plant-safe glue can be used sparingly on roots but should be kept off the rhizome tissue, as some glues can burn and damage it. Trim only older, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves near the base; the plant needs little regular pruning given its slow growth.

Fertilizing

Root tabs offer little benefit since this plant draws nutrients mainly through its leaves and rhizome rather than a substrate root system. A diluted liquid fertilizer containing iron and micronutrients, dosed occasionally, helps maintain deep leaf color and steady growth. Pale or yellowing new leaves can indicate a lack of iron or overall nutrient deficiency in a lean, low-tech setup.

Propagation

New plants are produced by dividing the rhizome with a clean, sharp blade once a section has developed several leaves and some roots. Each division should retain at least two to three leaves to establish well after being reattached to hardscape. Growth is slow, so propagation is infrequent compared to faster-growing stem plants.

Problems

Rhizome rot from burial in substrate or from glue applied directly onto the tissue is the most common cause of loss. Excess light relative to this plant's slow growth rate often results in algae film building up on the tough leaves, particularly diatoms or green spot algae. Otherwise the species is quite resistant to disease and rarely suffers pest issues beyond occasional algae fouling.

Sources

1. Emerald Bloom Anubias – Anubias barteri Aquarium Plant – Aquarium Plants Factory
2. Anubias: Anubias Barteri Emerald Bloom
3. Anubias Barteri sp. Emerald Bloom – Aquapets (KowloonAquarium)
4. Anubias Emerald Bloom Aquarium Plant | Low Light Rhizome Plant | TTW

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