Here’s a detailed guide about Anubias Broad Leaf (Anubias barteri var. broad leaf):

🌱 General Overview

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. broad leaf

• Common Names: Broad Leaf Anubias, Anubias Broadleaf

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (Cameroon, Nigeria, and surrounding regions)

• Type: Rhizomatous aquatic plant

• Growth Form: Broad, oval-shaped leaves attached to a thick rhizome

🌿 Appearance

• Leaves: Large, broad, dark green, leathery, and oval in shape.

• Size: Leaves typically grow 5–12 cm long and 3–6 cm wide.

• Height: Plant grows 20–30 cm tall, depending on conditions.

• Rhizome: Thick horizontal stem (rhizome) from which leaves and roots grow.

💧 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for small to large aquariums (minimum 10 gallons).

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–28°C

  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

  • Hardness: 2–15 dGH

• Placement: Best placed midground to background in aquascapes, often attached to rocks or driftwood.

☀️ Lighting & CO₂

• Lighting: Low to moderate. High light may cause algae growth on leaves.

• CO₂: Not necessary but can enhance growth and leaf size.

🌱 Growth & Care

• Growth Rate: Slow-growing (one new leaf every 3–4 weeks under ideal conditions).

• Planting:

  • Do not bury rhizome in substrate (it will rot).

  • Attach to driftwood, stones, or decorations with thread, glue, or fishing line.

• Fertilization: Benefits from liquid fertilizers (micronutrients). Root tabs are optional since it absorbs nutrients mainly from water column.

🐟 Compatibility

• Fish Safe: Very hardy; leaves are thick and unappealing to most fish.

• Great for: Cichlid tanks, community tanks, shrimp tanks, betta tanks, aquascapes.

• Algae: Can develop algae (especially black beard algae) on slow-growing leaves. Keep algae eaters (Amano shrimp, Siamese algae eaters) to help.

🌸 Flowering

• Can flower underwater or above water.

• Produces white/yellow spathe-like flower similar to peace lilies.

✂️ Propagation

• Propagated by rhizome division:

  • Cut rhizome into sections, each with at least 3–4 leaves.

  • Attach new section to hardscape.

✅ Advantages

• Hardy and long-living

• Tolerates wide range of water conditions

• Ideal for beginners and low-tech setups

• Attractive broad leaves for aquascaping

• Provides hiding spots for shrimps and fry

⚠️ Common Issues

• Algae on leaves: Due to slow growth + excess light.

• Rhizome rot: If buried in substrate.

• Yellowing leaves: Lack of nutrients, especially potassium.