Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia

Caladium-leaf Anubias

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is the largest variety of the species Anubias barteri. It forms vast populations on the banks and in shallow-water zones of rapidly-flowing rivers and rivulets as well as as waterfalls in tropical rainforests. The plants are either rooted in the ground or grow attached to rocks, in sunny to shaded locations.

Distribution: Southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, Fernando Po.

Submitted by: Benedetta Spelta

GPS: 5.1025920, 7.2119422

Geographical region: Western Africa
Drainage Basin: Golf of Guinea
River catchment: Imo River
Water body type: Creek
Water body name: Nameless
Water body part: River mouth
Water body course: Lower course
Water body: tributary of: River
Tributary name: Imo

Type locality: Bipinde, Cameroon
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Listed in CITES: No

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Black water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 25.5 - 28.5 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 5.8 - 6.8
Conductivity: 32 - 65
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Semi-submersed

Plant type

Rhizomatous

Plant size

10 - 40 cm

Plant growth rate

Slow

Plant light demand

Low

CO2

Low

Aquarium equipment

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is most commonly attached to rocks, driftwood or other decorations in an aquarium, though it must be secured to the object until it has time to root. This can be accomplished by thread or fishing line, although thread is usually easier to work with.
Because of its size, it is recommended to plant it in a large tank or pond. This plant can be of the best effect if planted in group in the middle to back side of the tank as long as the rhizome remains above the substrate level.

Plant care

Fertilisation is not necessary, however additional CO2 will promote faster growth and high levels of phosphate (1.5-2 mg/l) seem to induce flowering independently of the other parameters in the tank or the health status of the plant.

Water care

High phosphate levels in combination with a good iron and micronutrient supply reduce problems with spot algae under strong light.

Bibliography

– A revision of Anubias Schott Araceae - Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia, Pages 1 - 48 by Crusio, W.

– Aquarium Plants - Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia by Christel Kasselmann
ISBN 9781575240916