Anubias barteri var. glabra

Overview: Coming from the rainforest streams of West Africa, Anubias barteri var. glabra is one of the undemanding aquatic plants. It is perfect for the new aquarists and can add to the appearance of the tank. It belongs to the family Araceae and shows a lustrous growth when the right water parameters are provided. It is a typical rhizome plant that grows quickly and doesn’t require much care and maintenance. It is the reason why Anubias barteri var. glabra is considered an ideal plant for beginners.

Appearance: Anubias barteri var. glabra is a beautiful plant consisting of a long stem that can grow as long as 40 cm. The leaves are wavy in appearance, dark green in color and can attain a width of around 1.5 to 9 cm. Leaves can grow 6 to 21 cm long, depending upon the nutrients and water quality of the tank. The petioles of the plant can grow up to 3 to 35 cm long, which is 0.5 to 1.5 times as long as the blades giving the entire plant a unique look. It is a robust plant that can grow beautifully as an epiphyte on the hardscape. It also gets fixed to the substrate and can thrive well in the aquatic space.

Hard/soft plant: It is a hardy plant and requires less care and maintenance.

Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature range is 22 to 28 degrees C in which the plant can grow well and show its actual color and luster.

Lighting conditions: The plant is not very specific of light demands and can grow well in moderate light conditions. Medium light is perfect for the plant to show the best growth pattern and attain the right colors in the leaves. Keep trimming the plant to prevent it outgrowing the water level in the tank.

Ideal pH: The ideal pH for the plant to flourish is 5.5 to 7. It can survive if there is a minor fluctuation in pH as well.

Do you know: For propagating Anubias barteri var. glabra, you don’t have to bury the rhizome. Keep it in a partially or fully submerged condition above the substrate, and it will grow. The rhizomes attache to the rocks or wood and continue their growth.