Introduction
Anubias barteri, also known as the African Water Fern, is a tropical aquatic plant that is found throughout Africa and parts of Asia. It is a popular choice for aquariums and is prized for its lush foliage and slow-growing nature. While it is a low-maintenance plant, one question that many people have is how tall does Anubias barteri get?
Most species of Anubias barteri grow up to 6 inches in height, although some varieties may get even taller. The plant's stems can reach a maximum of 12 inches, while its leaves can get up to 4 inches wide. The leaves are typically green, but some varieties may have purple or red veins running through them. The plant's roots are usually white and covered in a slimy coating.
Submersed vs Emergent Growth
Anubias barteri can be grown both submersed and emergent. When the plant is grown submersed, its stems will be submerged in the water, while the leaves remain above the surface. This type of growth typically results in a shorter, bushier plant with more compact leaves. When grown emergent, the stems and leaves will both be above the water level, resulting in a taller, more upright plant.
The type of growth also affects how tall Anubias barteri can get. When grown submersed, the plant may only reach a maximum height of 6 inches, but when grown emergent, it can reach up to 12 inches tall. Additionally, the plant will grow more slowly when grown submersed, so it may take longer for it to reach its maximum height.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Anubias barteri thrives in warm, moist environments with plenty of indirect light. The plant prefers temperatures between 75-85°F and can tolerate higher temperatures up to 90°F. It also prefers a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 and should be fertilized regularly with a liquid fertilizer.
The amount of light the plant receives also affects its growth. Anubias barteri needs moderate light to grow and thrive, but too much light can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become stunted. When grown in low light, the plant will grow more slowly and may not reach its maximum height.
Prune and Cutback
Anubias barteri can be pruned and cut back to keep it from growing too tall. To do this, simply snip off any leaves or stems that are growing too long. This will encourage the plant to bush out and create a fuller, denser appearance. It's important to note that Anubias barteri can take several weeks to recover from pruning.
Conclusion
Anubias barteri is a popular choice for aquariums and is prized for its lush foliage and slow-growing nature. The plant can reach a maximum height of 12 inches when grown emergent, although most varieties will only reach 6 inches. Anubias barteri prefers warm temperatures, moderate light, and regular fertilization, and can be pruned and cut back if it starts to grow too tall.