Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Background

This species works exceptionally well in the midground to background of the aquarium, depending on the overall tank size. It should ideally be attached to hardscape materials such as driftwood or rocks using thread or aquarium-safe glue. If planted in the substrate, it is absolutely critical to keep the rhizome exposed above the soil to prevent it from rotting.

Botanical form

Epiphyte, Stem

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia features very large, striking heart-shaped leaves that stand out in any planted aquarium. The leaves grow from a thick, creeping rhizome that anchors the plant to various surfaces. Its sturdy, leathery foliage is highly resilient, making it a great option for aquariums with herbivorous fish.

Growth

Slow

Like most Anubias species, Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia exhibits a slow growth rate. You can expect it to produce only one or two new leaves per month under standard aquarium conditions. Providing slightly higher carbon dioxide levels and optimal fertilization can marginally speed up this process, but it remains a slow grower. This slow pace makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance setups.

Substrate

None

Due to its unique heart-shaped foliage and epiphytic nature, Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia flourishes when cultivated on solid structures rather than in the ground. The key to its substrate requirements is avoidance: the thick, primary rhizome must never be buried beneath sand, gravel, or soil. It produces thick, wiry roots designed to crawl over and firmly grasp uneven surfaces like driftwood branches, drawing nourishment solely from the water column. Any underlying substrate is purely aesthetic for this species, as it relies on liquid nutrients and ambient organic waste to fuel its slow but robust growth.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Liquid fertilization in the water column is the primary and most effective method for feeding Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia. A comprehensive liquid fertilizer applied weekly or bi-weekly will provide all the necessary trace elements and macronutrients. Since it is a slow grower, lean dosing is highly recommended to avoid excess nutrients accumulating in the water.

Root fertilization

None

Root tabs or nutrient-rich substrates are generally unnecessary for Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia. Because it is an epiphyte that prefers to be attached to hardscape, its roots primarily serve an anchoring function rather than a nutrient-absorbing one. Even if planted in the substrate, the plant relies more heavily on water column fertilization than root feeding.

Trimming

Occasional

Trimming is rarely required due to its very slow growth rate. When pruning is necessary, simply cut the leaves as close to the rhizome as possible using sharp aquascaping scissors. Always remove any yellowing, damaged, or algae-covered leaves to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and overall health.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Propagating Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is a simple and straightforward process. You simply cut the main rhizome into two or more pieces, ensuring each new section has at least three to four healthy leaves attached. These new sections can then be tied or glued to new pieces of hardscape, where they will eventually develop into full plants.

Sensitivity

Moderate

This plant is incredibly hardy and tolerates a wide range of water parameters and temperatures. However, its slow-growing, broad leaves are particularly susceptible to spot algae and black beard algae if light intensity is too high. It is recommended to place it in shaded areas of the aquarium to mitigate this risk.

Layout role

Epiphyte, Background

Its unique leaf shape makes it an excellent bold centerpiece. It is often used to bridge the gap between different aquascaping elements or provide shelter for small fish and shrimp. The rich green foliage provides a strong visual anchor and adds a sense of maturity to the aquascape.