Anubias barteri 'Broad Leaf'

Anubias barteri 'Broad Leaf' is a selected cultivar of Anubias barteri distinguished by its exceptionally wide, ovate to elliptical leaves that can reach 10–15 cm across. The broad leaf surface makes it one of the most impactful midground and background Anubias varieties, providing bold contrast against fine-leaved stem plants and mosses. Like all Anubias, it grows as an epiphyte, attaching to hardscape via a creeping rhizome that must never be buried.

The large leaf area does make this cultivar slightly more prone to algae colonisation than smaller-leaved forms, so moderate indirect light and good water circulation are recommended. Regular leaf wiping and the introduction of algae-grazing invertebrates such as Nerite snails help keep the leaves clean.

Growth is slow even by Anubias standards, but the plant is exceptionally long-lived and will reward patient aquascapers with a commanding, permanent presence in the aquarium. It is propagated by rhizome division.

Light: low to moderate indirect light; direct high-intensity light promotes algae on the broad leaf surface. CO2: not required; supplemental CO2 modestly accelerates leaf production. Fertilisation: dose liquid micros and macros periodically; large leaves benefit from adequate iron and potassium. Placement: tie or glue rhizome securely to large rocks or thick driftwood as a midground or background accent. Propagation: cut rhizome into sections of 3–4 leaves each and re-attach to hardscape; allow cut ends to callous briefly.