Anubias barteri 'Coffeefolia'

Anubias Coffeefolia Growing & Care Guide

Anubias Coffeefolia is an exceptionally beautiful, heavily-textured vertical species of water rhizome plant. Prized for its gorgeous, deeply ribbed leaves resembling coffee leaf veins, it starts with a spectacular copper-red leaf coloration on young foliage before turning into a highly glossy, deep dark-green. Thriving in shaded areas, it makes an elite foreground or midground architectural contrast anchor.

Lighting Low to Moderate

Water Parameter Aquatic (pH 6.0-7.5)

Substrate Epiphytic (Driftwood / Rock)

Water Temp 20°C - 28°C

Toxicity Pet Friendly (Non-toxic)

Botanical macro photography of Anubias Coffeefolia (Anubias barteri 'Coffeefolia') - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Anubias Coffeefolia

Anubias Coffeefolia (Anubias barteri 'Coffeefolia') has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Dense upright horizontal clumps of very hard, deeply-ribbed glossy dark-green leaves.
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Leaf Morphology: Uniquely crinkled, convex leaves with deep, regular ribbing. Young leaves show copper-brown color.
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Root & Anchoring Structure: Thick creeping green horizontal rhizome producing strong anchor roots that bind to rocks or wood.

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Complete Cultivation & Spawning Guide

Follow our detailed scientific water parameters and care guides to keep your Anubias Coffeefolia thriving.

pH: 6.0 - 7.5, GH: 3 - 15 dGH. Performs flawlessly in low-tech tanks with stable, clean freshwater.

Low. Grows perfectly without pressurized CO2, though supplemental carbon enhances leaf thickness and size.

Low to moderate lighting. High intensity light will coat its slow-growing leaves with green spot algae.

Cut off old, yellowing, or algae-covered leaves at the base of the rhizome using sterilized scissors.

An water-column feeder. Relies heavily on comprehensive liquid fertilizers; substrate feeding is not needed.

Do not bury the horizontal rhizome! Tie or glue the roots onto driftwood or rocks. Submerging the rhizome will rot the plant.

Optimal temperature is 20°C to 28°C (68°F - 82.4°F). Highly sensitive to cold winter shocks below 15°C.

Requires steady water circulation. Good current prevents organic waste and algae spores from landing on broad leaves.

Extremely tough, thick leaves. Safe from herbivorous fish like Goldfish and Cichlids. Completely pet-friendly.

Slow growth makes it prime target for Black Brush Algae. Keep phosphates low, and employ Siamese Algae Eaters.

Attach to midground rocks or roots. Leave spacing of 3 to 4 inches from neighboring rosettes to allow lateral growth.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Anubias Rot (Bacterial)

Symptoms: Creeping rhizome turns soft, mushy, and smelly, with leaves falling off completely.

Action: Caused by burying the rhizome in gravel or low water flow. Cut off rotted tissue and disinfect remaining rhizome in a clean water container.

Black Spot Algae Cover

Symptoms: Leaf surfaces gather stubborn green or black spots that block light, causing leaves to yellow and drop.

Action: Prune heavily covered leaves. Spot treat infected areas with dilute liquid carbon or hydrogen peroxide during water changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Anubias Coffeefolia melting?

It is usually caused by burying the creeping green rhizome under the substrate. Always attach it to driftwood or rocks, leaving roots exposed.

How do I propagate Anubias Coffeefolia?

Propagate easily by cutting the creeping rhizome into sections with a clean blade. Ensure each segment has at least 3-4 healthy leaves.

Why are new leaves copper colored?

This is normal! Anubias Coffeefolia foliage naturally emerges with a copper-bronze tint before hardening into its signature deep dark-green.

Can it grow out of water?

Yes! It grows happily emersed in humid terrariums, paludariums, or wabi-kusa, provided the roots remain continuously wet.