More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | no |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | slow |
| Plant Colors | medium green, dark green |
| Temperature Tolerance | 12°C / 53.60°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-15 kh |
| pH Value | 5-8 ph |
| Light | low-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 5-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Anubias barteri var. barteri, a member of the Araceae family, is a popular aquatic plant commonly found in the aquarium trade. This plant is named after Charles Barter, a renowned plant collector known for his contributions. Originating from south-eastern West Africa, specifically Guinea, Cameroon, and Southeast Nigeria, Anubias barteri var. barteri thrives in shady, rapid-flowing rivers, rivulets, and on large rocks or fallen tree trunks in its natural habitat. It typically grows either above the waterline, semi-emersed, or occasionally fully submersed.
Aquarium Suitability
This plant is highly suitable for aquariums, with a categorization of "very easy" in terms of difficulty. Anubias barteri var. barteri is known for its tolerance to a variety of growth conditions, thriving under low lighting (0.25 W/L) and without the addition of CO2. However, providing ample light and CO2 supplementation results in faster growth and the development of larger leaves. Water hardness and pH levels are not critical factors for this plant. A strong water current is beneficial for preventing spot algae, especially when exposed to intense lighting. High phosphate levels (2 mg/l) are recommended to further deter spot algae and promote flower formation.
Demands and Hardiness
The water conditions suitable for Anubias barteri var. barteri include a wide range of parameters with a temperature preference of 22-26°C. The plant can tolerate a temperature range of 12-30°C and a pH level between 5-8. It requires a moderate level of carbon dioxide (5-40mg/l) and benefits from the presence of iron (0.01-0.5mg/l), nitrate (10-50mg/l), and phosphate (0.1-3mg/l) in the water. Potassium levels should be maintained between 5-30mg/l and carbonate hardness between 0-15.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquascaping, Anubias barteri var. barteri is often used in the middle to background of large aquariums. It serves as an excellent contrast to plants with softer textures like mosses and fine-leaved stem plants. The leathery leaf surface of this plant makes it ideal for adding green hues to cichlid tanks. It can be utilized as an epiphyte on hardscape or planted in the substrate; however, when planted, it is crucial to ensure that the rhizome remains above the gravel to prevent rotting. Additionally, this variety of Anubias is well-suited for paludariums as it can thrive when partially emersed.
Propagation
For propagation, Anubias barteri var. barteri can be reproduced by cutting a piece of the rhizome. Parts of the plant that form lateral shoots are particularly suitable for propagation. This variety is known for its relatively slow growth rate compared to other Anubias species, but it is among the fastest-growing within the genus.
Habitat and Distribution
Anubias barteri var. barteri is native to regions in South-eastern West Africa, primarily found in Guinea, Cameroon, and Southeast Nigeria. In its natural habitat, the plant grows on various surfaces such as rocks and fallen tree trunks in shady, rapid-flowing rivers and rivulets. It tends to attach firmly above the waterline or semi-emersed, occasionally submersed, showcasing its adaptability to different aquatic environments.