Anubias Barteri var. Coffeefolia

Anubias barteri var. Coffeefolia | A Textured and Distinctive Anubias With Stunning Leaf Detail

Anubias barteri var. Coffeefolia earns its name from its deeply corrugated, heavily textured leaves that ripple and arch between the veins in a way that closely resembles the leaves of a coffee plant. Rich, deep green with a characteristic downward arching form, the leaves often emerge with an attractive reddish-brown hue that matures to deep green over time. Under aquarium lighting the corrugated surface catches and reflects light beautifully, giving each leaf a three-dimensional depth and visual complexity that flat-leaved plants cannot replicate.

Sharing the same indestructible, low-maintenance nature as all Anubias, Coffeefolia is an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels who want genuine visual character and texture in their aquascape.

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Anubias barteri var. Coffeefolia
• Origin: Cultivar
• Type: Rhizomatous
• Growth rate: Slow
• Height: 6–12 inches (15–30+ cm)
• Light demand: Low — avoid intense lighting which encourages algae growth on the broad leaves
• CO2: Not required
• Best placement: Midground to background, attached to hardscape or placed with rhizome exposed

Why We Love It

The deeply textured, corrugated leaf surface sets Coffeefolia apart from virtually every other Anubias variety — particularly striking when placed alongside smooth-leaved plants where the contrast in texture is most pronounced. Its tough, leathery leaves are resistant to plant-eating fish, it thrives in low light without CO2 injection, and its long-lived leaves mean it builds into an impressive, spreading specimen over time with virtually no maintenance beyond occasional removal of old or damaged leaves.

Its broad, arching leaves also provide excellent cover and shade for fish and shrimp that appreciate sheltered resting spots — a practical benefit as well as a visual one.

Important — Do Not Bury the Rhizome

Always attach or position Anubias barteri var. Coffeefolia so that the rhizome — the thick horizontal stem from which the leaves and roots emerge — remains fully exposed above the substrate at all times. Burying the rhizome even partially will cause it to rot and kill the plant. Attach to driftwood, rocks, or hardscape using fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue for the most natural and secure placement.

Compatible With

• All community fish, shrimp, and snails
• An excellent choice for tanks with plant-eating or destructive fish — its tough leaves are left alone by virtually all herbivorous species
• Particularly striking as a midground specimen plant where its corrugated texture and arching leaf form can be fully appreciated
• Beautiful alongside smooth-leaved plants such as Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus where the textural contrast is most pronounced