Anubias Coffeefolia

Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae

Variety of Anubias Barteri · coffeefolia

📍 West Africa

Anubias Coffeefolia features deeply corrugated, dark-green leaves with a pronounced bullate (puckered) texture that gives them the appearance of coffee leaves — hence the name. The new leaves often emerge with a reddish-bronze tint before darkening to deep green, adding colour interest even at low light levels. Its compact, low-spreading habit suits midground placement in low-tech planted tanks.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and thrive in the same low-light, low-tech conditions

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that clean algae off leaves without harming the plant; prefer similar water parameters

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful fish that appreciate the shelter provided by dense foliage and won't uproot or damage hardy plants

good

Java Moss

Excellent companion plant with identical care requirements; creates a lush, layered midground aesthetic

excellent

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Similar hardiness and low-light tolerance; pairs well in midground layouts with comparable growth rates

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, blackened rhizome tissue; foul odor; leaf yellowing and melting despite good water conditions

Treatment

Improve water circulation and reduce organic detritus. Remove affected portions with a sterile blade and reattach healthy rhizome sections to clean hardscape. Ensure rhizome is never fully buried in substrate.

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)

Symptoms

Black or dark-red fuzzy coating on leaf surfaces, particularly older leaves; reduced light penetration

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily, and manually remove affected leaves. Add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or increase CO2 if feasible. Avoid excess nutrients from overfeeding.

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Stunted growth, yellowing new leaves, pale coloration despite adequate lighting

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish, or equivalent) 1-2 times weekly. Ensure adequate fish bioload; in heavily planted tanks, consider macronutrient supplementation (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).

Melting (Emersion Shock)

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration and transparency after introduction or water parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable water conditions (pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 22–28°C). Acclimate new plants slowly over 2 weeks. Remove damaged leaves; healthy rhizome will regenerate new growth within 4–6 weeks.