Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto'

Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pinto' is one of the most prized variegated plants in the freshwater hobby, producing leaves with random patterns of white, cream, or pale-green sectors against a deep dark-green base. No two leaves are identical — some display bold half-and-half sectoring, others fine white streaking or speckled marbling — making each plant a collector's item. The variegation is chimeric in origin and is maintained through rhizome division rather than seed.

One important consideration is that occasional all-green or all-white shoots may appear; all-green shoots should be removed to preserve the variegated character, while all-white shoots, lacking sufficient chlorophyll, will eventually fade and should also be trimmed. Maintaining a balance of variegated to green tissue is the key management task for this cultivar.

Despite the premium appearance, care requirements are no more demanding than standard Anubias nana. Medium light helps maintain vibrant white sectors; very low light may reduce the contrast of the variegation. It is best displayed against dark substrate or hardscape where the white patterning is maximally visible.

Light: low to medium; slightly elevated light improves white sector contrast; very low light reduces variegation visibility. CO2: not required; optional but helps maintain overall plant vigour alongside the metabolic cost of variegation. Fertilisation: regular liquid fertiliser with iron supports the green tissue; avoid excess which encourages algae on slow-growing leaves. Placement: foreground or midground on dark hardscape or substrate to maximise visual impact of the white patterning. Propagation: divide rhizome preserving variegated sections; remove all-green or all-white side shoots to maintain the pinto pattern.