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Anubias Barteri (Live Aquarium Plant)
The nearly unkillable plant every beginner should start with.
- Thrives in low to moderate light with no CO2
- Hardy rhizome plant tolerant of beginner mistakes
- Attaches to driftwood and rock for aquascaping
- Broad green leaves offer cover and shade
- Slow-growing, so it stays tidy with little trimming
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Pros
- Extremely forgiving and low-maintenance
- Does not require CO2 or strong light
- Versatile mounting on hardscape
- Resistant to being nibbled by many fish
- Long-lived once established
Cons
- Slow growth tests patience
- Rhizome rots if buried in substrate
- Older leaves can collect algae
- Limited color, mostly deep green
At a glance
The nearly unkillable plant every beginner should start with.
Anubias barteri is the plant to start with if you have ever doubted your green thumb.
- Thrives in low to moderate light with no CO2
- Hardy rhizome plant tolerant of beginner mistakes
- Attaches to driftwood and rock for aquascaping
- Broad green leaves offer cover and shade
- Slow-growing, so it stays tidy with little trimming
Product Specifications
- Type
- Rhizome aquarium plant
- Lighting
- Low to moderate
- CO2
- Not required
- Placement
- Mid-ground, on hardscape
- Care Level
- Beginner / very easy
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Why we recommend the Anubias Barteri (Live Aquarium Plant)
If there is a single plant that has converted more skeptics into planted-tank keepers, it is anubias barteri. Its appeal is its sheer resilience. It grows in low to moderate light, needs no CO2 injection, and shrugs off the kind of inconsistent care that kills fussier species. For anyone nervous about keeping live plants alive, this is the confidence builder.
It is also wonderfully versatile for aquascaping. Because it grows from a rhizome rather than rooting in substrate, you tie or glue it onto driftwood and rock, where it slowly spreads broad, deep-green leaves. Those leaves provide welcome cover for shy fish and shrimp, and the slow growth means you rarely have to trim. The one rule to remember is never to bury the rhizome, since covering it leads to rot.
Who it’s for
Anubias is perfect for beginners, low-tech tank keepers, and anyone building a hardscape-focused aquascape. It pairs beautifully with shrimp and community fish, and its toughness makes it a good choice even in tanks with semi-aggressive species that would shred softer plants. Patience is the only real requirement, as it grows slowly. For a plant that simply works and keeps working, it is about as reliable as the hobby gets.
The Bottom Line
Anubias barteri is the plant to start with if you have ever doubted your green thumb. It asks for almost nothing and rewards you with lush, durable foliage that anchors an aquascape for years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I plant it in the substrate?
No, keep the rhizome above the substrate or it will rot. Tie or glue it to driftwood or rock and let only the roots reach toward the substrate.
Does it need special lighting or CO2?
No, it thrives in low to moderate light and needs no CO2. That hardiness is exactly what makes it so popular with beginners.
Why is it growing so slowly?
Slow growth is normal for anubias and not a sign of a problem. The upside is that it rarely needs trimming and stays neat for a long time.
How do I keep algae off the leaves?
Because growth is slow, leaves stay in the tank a long time and can collect algae. Moderate your lighting, keep nutrients in check, and add algae-eating shrimp or snails to help.
Is it safe with shrimp and fish?
Yes, it is excellent in shrimp tanks and community setups, offering cover and grazing surface. Most fish leave its tough leaves alone.