🌿 General Overview

• Common Name: Anubias Broad Leaf, Broadleaf Anubias, Anubias barteri broad leaf

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. barteri

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (found along shaded streams and riverbanks)

• Type: Rhizome aquatic plant (epiphyte — attaches to hard surfaces like rocks or driftwood)

• Growth Form: Broad, dark-green leaves with a sturdy rhizome

• Difficulty Level: Easy (excellent for beginners)

🪨 About “on Rock”

• “Anubias on rock” means the plant has been pre-attached to a natural stone or lava rock using thread, glue, or fishing line.

• This allows immediate placement in aquariums without planting.

• The rhizome sits above the rock surface — ensuring no rot.

• Perfect for aquascapers who want an instant hardscape look.

🌱 Appearance

• Leaf Size: 5–10 cm wide, 10–15 cm long

• Leaf Shape: Broad, oval, and thick with a glossy surface

• Color: Deep green

• Height: 10–25 cm (depends on conditions and age)

• Growth Pattern: Compact clumps spreading slowly from rhizome

💧 Tank Requirements

• Placement: Foreground or midground (attached to rock or driftwood)

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano to large aquariums

• Lighting: Low to medium (too much light encourages algae)

• CO₂: Optional (not required, but enhances growth)

• Temperature: 22–30°C (72–86°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.8

• Water Hardness: 3–15 dGH (very adaptable)

• Flow: Moderate (helps keep leaves clean)

🪴 Planting / Mounting Tips

• Never bury the rhizome in substrate — it will rot.

• Secure the plant to rock using:

  • Fishing line

  • Cotton thread

  • Aquarium-safe glue (gel-type)

• After a few weeks, roots naturally attach to the rock surface.

• Place in shaded or semi-lit areas to reduce algae growth.

☀️ Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

• Propagation:

  • Divide the rhizome when several leaves and roots have formed.

  • Each piece will grow into a new plant.

• Trimming:

  • Remove old or algae-covered leaves at the base.

  • Clean gently to prevent debris buildup.

• Fertilization:

  • Low requirements — absorbs nutrients from water column.

  • Occasional liquid fertilizer is beneficial.

🧩 Aquascaping Uses

• Excellent for natural, jungle, or river-style aquascapes.

• Looks great when grouped around rocks or driftwood.

• Pairs beautifully with mosses, ferns, and smaller carpeting plants.

• Suitable for both low-tech and high-tech tanks.

⚕️ Common Problems

• Algae on Leaves: Too much light or poor water flow.

  • Solution: Lower light, add algae eaters (like Amano shrimp), and improve flow.

• Yellowing Leaves: Possible nutrient deficiency or aging leaves.

• Rhizome Rot: Caused by burying rhizome in substrate — keep it exposed.

🌿 Care Tips

• Keep lighting moderate to prevent algae.

• Wipe leaves gently during maintenance.

• Provide gentle water movement.

• Avoid aggressive plant eaters (like large cichlids).

• Ideal in tanks with shrimp, small tetras, rasboras, or bettas.

🌍 Interesting Facts

• Anubias barteri was first described in 1857.

• Named after the Egyptian god “Anubis” due to its tolerance for darkness.

• Can grow both submerged (underwater) and emersed (partially above water).

• Extremely hardy — survives even in low-light or low-tech tanks.