Anubias coffeefolia

Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia, commonly sold as Anubias coffeefolia, is a highly distinctive variety of Anubias barteri recognized for its deeply corrugated, strongly bullate (blistered) leaf texture that closely resembles the foliage of the terrestrial coffee plant (Coffea species) — hence the common name. This unusual corrugated texture, created by a pattern of deep veins and raised sections between them, gives the plant a rich, three-dimensional appearance quite unlike the smooth or gently undulating leaves of other Anubias varieties. The leaves are broad, ovate, dark green when mature, and emerge from the rhizome in an attractive spreading rosette. One of the most ornamental features is the consistent bronze-red coloration of new leaves as they first unfurl from the growing tip of the rhizome; this fresh growth contrasts beautifully with the mature deep green of older leaves, providing visual dynamism even in a slow-growing plant. Anubias coffeefolia is native to West and Central Africa and grows as a riverbank and riparian plant in its natural habitat. In the aquarium it is kept as an epiphyte in the same manner as all Anubias species — rhizome attached to hardscape, roots free to spread into the water column. It occupies the midground naturally due to its size, typically reaching 20–30 cm in height with leaves up to 15–20 cm long. The textured leaf surface makes it somewhat more prone to algae accumulation in high-light conditions, as detritus and algae spores settle into the corrugations. Keeping light low and the tank clean prevents most issues. Overall, Anubias coffeefolia is one of the most rewarding and visually interesting Anubias species for intermediate aquascapes seeking textural complexity.

Water Parameters Maintain pH 6.0–7.5 and temperature 20–28 °C. Anubias coffeefolia adapts to a wide range of water hardness, from soft to moderately hard. Consistent parameters reduce stress and promote steady rhizome growth.

Lighting Low to moderate light (20–60 µmol) is ideal. The deeply corrugated leaf texture is more prone to trapping organic detritus and algae spores than smooth-leaved species — high light exacerbates this. Position the plant in a shaded area of the tank or beneath taller plants.

Attachment Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or slate using aquarium-safe thread or cyanoacrylate gel glue. The rhizome creeps slowly along the surface of the hardscape as the plant matures, creating a natural, anchored appearance.

CO2 and Fertilization CO2 supplementation is not required. A weekly all-in-one liquid fertilizer provides sufficient nutrition. The corrugated leaves and overall plant size make it a slightly higher nutrient consumer than Anubias nana, but demands remain modest.

New Leaf Color The bronze-red coloration of new leaves is entirely normal and desirable. No special treatment is required to promote it; it occurs naturally with each new leaf. Enjoy this seasonal ornamental display as the plant grows.

Algae Management The corrugated surface is more challenging to clean than smooth leaves. Nerite snails are very effective at accessing the depressions between leaf veins. Avoid high light intensities and maintain pristine water quality to minimize algae colonization of the leaf texture.

Propagation Divide the rhizome with a sharp, clean blade when it has grown long, ensuring each division retains multiple leaves. Propagation is straightforward and identical to all Anubias species.