🌿 General Overview

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

• Scientific Name: Anubias barteri var. “Butterfly”

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: West Africa (native to shaded rivers, streams, and marshy areas)

• Type: Rhizome plant (epiphyte, not a true root-feeder)

• Growth Form: Compact, broad-leaved plant with thick stems

• Difficulty Level: Very easy — beginner-friendly and low maintenance

🪴 About the “Pot” Form

• “Anubias Butterfly pot” refers to a potted aquatic plant grown in mineral wool inside a small plastic pot.

• The pot keeps the plant stable during transport and helps roots develop.

• Before placing in the aquarium, the plant should be removed from the pot and cleaned.

Preparation before planting:

1. Remove the plant from the pot.

2. Gently pull off all the rock wool from the roots.

3. Rinse well in clean water.

4. Attach or position in the aquarium (do not bury the rhizome).

🌱 Appearance

• Leaf Shape: Distinct butterfly-wing shape — broad at the base, pointed tip.

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

• Color: Deep, glossy green.

• Height: 10–15 cm on average.

• Growth Form: Dense clumps spreading slowly by rhizome extension.

• Texture: Thick and leathery leaves — resistant to tearing or nibbling.

💧 Tank Requirements

• Placement: Foreground to midground, or attached to décor (rocks, driftwood, ornaments).

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano to large aquariums.

• Lighting: Low to medium (prefers shade or diffused light).

• CO₂: Not required (but improves growth rate and color).

• Temperature: 22–30°C (72–86°F).

• pH: 6.0–7.8.

• Hardness: 3–15 dGH (tolerates soft to moderately hard water).

• Water Flow: Moderate — helps prevent algae buildup on leaves.

🌾 Planting Tips

• Do not bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in substrate — it will rot.

• You can:

  • Attach the plant to driftwood, lava rock, or decorative stone with fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue.

  • Or place the pot itself in substrate for display (ensure rhizome remains above surface).

• Roots will gradually attach themselves to the chosen surface.

☀️ Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.

• Propagation:

  • Divide the rhizome when it has multiple leaves and roots.

  • Each rhizome section becomes a new plant.

• Trimming:

  • Remove older or algae-damaged leaves at the base.

  • Wipe gently during cleaning to keep leaves glossy.

• Fertilization:

  • Minimal needs; absorbs nutrients directly from the water.

  • Occasional liquid fertilizer is beneficial.

🧩 Aquascaping Uses

• Excellent for natural, jungle, or low-tech aquascapes.

• Provides contrast with fine-leaved or carpeting plants.

• Great for shrimp, betta, and community tanks.

• Often placed near the foreground or as a centerpiece on hardscape.

• Works beautifully in both submerged and emersed setups (paludariums, terrariums).

⚕️ Common Problems

• Algae on Leaves: Too much light or poor circulation.

  • Solution: Lower light intensity, add algae eaters (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus), and ensure water movement.

• Yellow Leaves: Often natural aging or lack of trace elements (iron, potassium).

• Rhizome Rot: Happens if the rhizome is buried — keep it above substrate.

🌿 Care Tips

• Provide gentle flow and regular water changes (30–40% weekly).

• Avoid direct high light — this encourages algae.

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

• Very tolerant to different parameters and easy to relocate.

🌍 Interesting Facts

• The “Butterfly” variety is named for its distinctive, wing-shaped leaves.

• Anubias barteri species can live many years with minimal care.

• Can grow emersed or submerged, making it versatile for aquascaping styles.

• Named after the Egyptian god “Anubis,” symbolizing endurance in darkness — fitting for its shade-loving nature.