How to Grow Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia
Wikimedia Commons
Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia
Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia
aquatic plantAnubias barteri var. caladiifolia is a slow-growing, aquatic rhizomatous plant native to West Africa, prized for its large, deeply lobed heart-shaped leaves. It is an excellent low-light plant commonly used in aquariums and paludarium setups. This plant thrives when attached to rocks or driftwood rather than planted in substrate.
When should you plant Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Tissue Culture/Young Plant
2-4 weeksTiny plantlet (1-2 inches) with small leaves; often grown in vitro or as recently propagated cuttings
Acclimate slowly to aquarium conditions over 1-2 weeks; provide stable water and lighting; minimal flow initially
Establishment
4-8 weeksPlant develops 3-5 leaves; rhizome elongates slightly; leaves begin showing characteristic lobing
Attach firmly to hardscape; ensure rhizome is not buried; provide consistent lighting and nutrient supplementation; avoid disturbance
Vegetative Growth
ongoing, 3+ monthsPlant produces new leaves regularly; mature leaves display full lobed morphology; rhizome thickens and may branch
Continue liquid fertilization; maintain stable water parameters; remove any algae coating leaves gently; prune dead leaves at base
Flowering (Rare)
2-4 weeksEmergence of spathe inflorescence (cream to pale yellow) under optimal conditions; flowers are small and inconspicuous
Flowering is uncommon in aquarium settings; indicates excellent plant health; allow spathe to remain for pollination if desired
Propagation/Maturity
6+ months onwardsMature plants develop multiple growth points on rhizome; can be divided into separate plants; forms substantial hardscape accent
Divide rhizomes only when plant is large (6+ months); ensure each division has roots and growth buds; allow plantlets to establish before separating
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Manual removal; reduce light duration; increase water change frequency; use algae-eating fish/invertebrates (Otocinclus, amano shrimp); use hydrogen peroxide spot treatment (5-10ml per 10 gallons, 1-2x weekly)
-
Manual removal; use copper-free snail-specific treatments; reduce overfeeding; biological control with pea puffers or assassin snails
-
Improve water quality; increase water changes; reduce water temperature slightly; remove affected leaves; ensure adequate oxygenation and flow
-
Remove plant immediately; treat rhizome with fungicide or hydrogen peroxide dip (3% solution, 10-15 minutes); sterilize substrate; improve water circulation; do not replant in same location
Uses
Aquarium Decoration & Water Filtration
HouseholdAnubias provides natural aquatic landscaping while contributing to biological filtration and water oxygenation. Its low-light tolerance makes it ideal for aquariums with limited lighting, and it serves as shelter for fish fry and invertebrates. [source]
Paludarium & Terrarium Accent
CraftThis plant thrives in paludariums (wetland terrariums) where it can grow partially submerged. Its architectural lobed leaves add textural interest to planted display tanks and naturalistic aquascapes. [source]
Fish & Invertebrate Habitat
WildlifeAnubias provides cover and grazing surfaces for aquatic fauna; shrimp and small fish feed on biofilm on leaves, while larger plants shelter fry and vulnerable species. [source]
Bioactive Water Quality Support
MedicinalLike all plants, Anubias absorbs excess nitrates and phosphates, improving water chemistry and reducing algae blooms naturally. This contributes to healthier aquarium ecosystems with reduced disease. [source]
Not For Consumption
CulinaryUnlike some aquatic plants, Anubias barteri is not edible and should not be used for food purposes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for consumption; propagate by dividing rhizome into sections with 1-2 growth buds each once plant is mature (6+ months). Use sterile knife or scissors. Allow divisions 2-3 weeks to develop roots before significant disturbance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is named for its resemblance to Caladium plants with its deeply lobed, caladium-like leaf morphology—one of the most distinctive Anubias varieties.
- 🌱 This plant can survive emersed (above water) conditions in humid environments and is sometimes grown as terrestrial houseplants with high humidity, making it exceptionally versatile.
- 🌱 Anubias is one of the slowest-growing aquatic plants and can live 5-10+ years in the same aquarium with minimal care, making it a long-term aquatic sculpture that improves with age.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia timeline →