Anubias Barteri Caladiifolia - Tropica

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia | A Majestic Large-Leaved Anubias Cultivar

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is one of the most impressive and architecturally striking Anubias cultivars available in the planted aquarium hobby. Originating from an Australian tissue propagation laboratory, this exceptional variety is distinguished by its large, beautifully heart-shaped leaves that bring a bold, tropical elegance to any aquascape. Where smaller Anubias varieties add fine detail and texture, caladiifolia makes a statement — its broad, dramatic leaves creating a sense of scale and lushness that is genuinely difficult to achieve with other low-light plants.

Like all Anubias, it is virtually indestructible — thriving in low light without CO2 injection, tolerating a wide range of water parameters, and producing leaves that individually last for several years before dying back. This longevity, combined with its steady spreading rhizome, means that over time a single plant can grow into a spectacular, wide-spreading colony — groups exceeding 20 inches (50 cm) in width are not uncommon in established aquariums, creating a dense, lush centrepiece that anchors an entire aquascape.

Why We Love It

The combination of dramatic leaf size, heart-shaped form, and the same bulletproof, low-maintenance nature shared by all Anubias makes caladiifolia a genuinely special plant. Its large leaves provide excellent cover and resting spots for fish, and ideal grazing and shelter surfaces for shrimp. It looks equally stunning attached to a prominent piece of driftwood, anchored to a large rock, or allowed to spread freely across the midground of a spacious aquarium.

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia
• Origin: Cultivar — Australian tissue propagation laboratory
• Type: Rhizomatous
• Growth rate: Slow
• Height: 4–6 inches (10–15+ cm)
• Spread: Can exceed 20 inches (50 cm) wide in established groups
• Light demand: Low — avoid high light intensity which encourages algae growth on leaves
• CO2: Not required
• Best placement: Midground to background, attached to hardscape or allowed to spread freely

Important — Do Not Bury the Rhizome

Always attach or place Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia so that the rhizome — the thick horizontal stem from which the leaves emerge — remains fully exposed above the substrate at all times. Burying the rhizome will cause it to rot and kill the plant. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue, or simply placed on the substrate with the rhizome sitting above the surface.

Compatible With

• All community fish, shrimp, and snails
• Its tough, leathery leaves make it an excellent choice for tanks with plant-eating or destructive fish
• Particularly impressive as a bold centrepiece or background plant in larger aquariums where its full spreading potential can be appreciated