🌿 General Overview

• Common Name: Anubias Butterfly, Butterfly Anubias, Anubias barteri “Butterfly”

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. “Butterfly”

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (native to rivers and shaded stream banks)

• Type: Rhizome plant (epiphyte)

• Growth Habit: Compact, slow-growing plant with broad, wing-like leaves

• Difficulty Level: Easy — perfect for beginners and low-tech aquariums

🪨 About “on Rock”

• “Anubias Butterfly on rock” means the plant is pre-attached to natural stone or lava rock using glue or thread.

• Ideal for instant aquascaping — no need to plant in substrate.

• The rhizome is left exposed, preventing rot.

• Roots eventually grip the rock surface naturally.

🌱 Appearance

• Leaf Shape: Distinct “butterfly wing” shape — broad base with pointed tips

• Leaf Color: Rich deep green, glossy surface

• Leaf Size: Around 4–8 cm long and 3–5 cm wide

• Height: 10–15 cm

• Growth Form: Dense clump spreading slowly by rhizome extension

• Texture: Thick and leathery leaves resistant to damage

💧 Tank Requirements

• Placement: Foreground to midground (on rocks, driftwood, or decorations)

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano to large aquariums

• Lighting: Low to medium (prefers shaded or indirect light)

• CO₂: Optional (not necessary, but improves color and growth)

• Temperature: 22–30°C (72–86°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.8

• Water Hardness: 3–15 dGH

• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate (helps prevent algae buildup)

🪴 Mounting and Placement Tips

• Do not bury the rhizome in substrate — it will rot.

• Can be fixed on:

  • Natural rocks

  • Lava stone

  • Driftwood

  • Aquarium ornaments

• Use fishing line, cotton thread, or aquarium-safe glue to attach until roots secure themselves.

• Place in partially shaded areas to prevent algae on leaves.

☀️ Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

• Propagation:

  • By dividing the rhizome; each section should have 3–4 leaves and some roots.

  • Reattach new sections to another rock or wood piece.

• Trimming:

  • Remove old or yellowing leaves at the base.

  • Clean leaves gently to remove algae or debris.

• Fertilization:

  • Absorbs nutrients from the water column.

  • Occasional use of liquid fertilizer helps maintain color and health.

🧩 Aquascaping Uses

• Ideal for natural-style aquascapes, jungle layouts, or low-tech planted tanks.

• Works beautifully when grouped around driftwood or stones.

• Perfect for shrimp, betta, and community tanks.

• Adds texture contrast next to finer-leaved plants like mosses or ferns.

⚕️ Common Problems

• Algae on Leaves: Caused by too much light or stagnant water.

  • Solution: Reduce lighting intensity/duration, add algae eaters (like Amano shrimp), or improve water flow.

• Rhizome Rot: Happens if buried under substrate — keep above surface.

• Yellowing Leaves: Can occur from nutrient deficiency or natural aging.

🌿 Care Tips

• Keep under low to moderate light to prevent algae.

• Avoid aggressive fish that nibble on plants.

• Perform weekly water changes (30–40%) to keep leaves clean.

• Works well in both CO₂ and non-CO₂ tanks.

• Very tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.

🌍 Interesting Facts

• The “Butterfly” variety gets its name from the distinctive wing-shaped leaves.

• Anubias plants are semi-aquatic, able to grow both submerged and emersed.

• Named after the Egyptian god “Anubis,” reflecting their ability to thrive in shade.

• Known for their longevity — can live for years with minimal care.