☕ Anubias Coffeefolia Made Easy: Expert Aquarium Tips
Want a stunning, low-maintenance plant for your aquarium? Anubias Coffeefolia offers bold texture and rich color without the fuss.
If you’re new to planted tanks, this plant makes it easy to get started, with just a few tricks for long-lasting success.
🌿 What Is Anubias Coffeefolia?
Anubias Coffeefolia is a unique and eye-catching variety of Anubias barteri, known for its deeply ridged leaves that resemble the surface of a coffee plant, hence the name.
It’s a favorite among aquarists who want low-maintenance plants that still bring character and texture to their tanks.
🔬 Scientific Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus:Anubias
Species:Anubias barteri
Variety:Coffeefolia
This variety is often listed as Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia.
Anubias Barteri is hardy, so its a great plant for beginners. Anubias Barteri is noted for its thick rhizome, strong root structure and durable green leaves. Depending on variety, Anubias Barteri makes a great foreground, midground or even a background plant. Either way, it can add a long lasting splash of rich green color to an aquarium https://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/aquarium-plants/anubias-barteri/
🌱 How It Compares to Other Anubias barteri Varieties
Size: Coffeefolia typically grows shorter than barteri broad leaf, but larger than nana or nana petite.
Texture: It stands out with heavily puckered, ruffled leaves.
Growth: Like its relatives, it grows slowly and prefers low light.
Placement: Works well in the midground or foreground when attached to decor.
☕ Unique Coffee-Like Texture and Color
The dark green to bronze leaves arch slightly downward and feature deep veining.
New growth often starts with a coppery or reddish tint before maturing into a rich green.
The rippled texture gives tanks an organic, wild look that contrasts nicely with smoother plants.
🌍 Origin and Background
While Anubias barteri is native to West Africa, Coffeefolia is a cultivated hybrid, selectively bred for its leaf structure and color.
It shares the same hardy, adaptable nature as other Anubias species and thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions.
Often used in aquascaping for both its visual appeal and ease of care.
🌿 Why Choose Anubias Barteri Coffeefolia?
Anubias Barteri Coffeefolia isn’t just another aquarium plant. It’s a reliable favorite for hobbyists who want something easy, eye-catching, and adaptable.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a lush aquascape, this variety delivers without demanding much in return.
✅ Perfect for Beginners and Low-Tech Tanks
You don’t need fancy gear to grow this plant. Coffeefolia thrives in basic setups without CO₂, intense lighting, or constant fertilizing.
That makes it ideal if you’re just dipping your toes into planted tanks or running a simple community aquarium.
🛡️ Durable, Slow-Growing, and Low-Light Tolerant
This is a plant with patience. It grows slowly, which means less pruning and a cleaner tank.
Plus, it’s built tough, tolerant of varying water conditions, and perfectly happy under low to moderate light.
Great for hands-off plant lovers or anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with high-maintenance greens.
🐟 Works Well with Most Fish (Including Bettas and Shrimp)
Anubias Coffeefolia is peaceful by nature. Its thick leaves give shrimp and small fish a place to rest or hide, while its tough foliage holds up against nibblers like bettas and tetras.
It also won’t outcompete other plants or mess with water chemistry, making it the perfect team player.
🎨 Visually Striking with Dark Veins and Bronze Hues
Let’s be honest, this plant looks amazing. With deep green to copper-toned leaves and heavy textures that ripple like waves, Coffeefolia adds richness and movement to your tank.
It’s especially striking against dark backgrounds or when paired with bright green plants for contrast.
📏 Anubias Coffeefolia Size & Growth in Aquariums
If you’re looking for a plant that stays manageable without constant trimming, Anubias Coffeefolia fits the bill. Its size and growth rate make it perfect for tanks where you want beauty without the upkeep.
🌿 Average Size: Leaf Height and Spread
You can expect Anubias Coffeefolia to grow:
Leaf height: around 4–6 inches tall
Total spread: up to 6–8 inches wide over time
The leaves arch slightly downward, giving it a soft, flowing appearance without taking over your tank.
🐌 Growth Rate: Very Slow
Don’t be surprised if it seems like nothing’s happening at first, this plant takes its sweet time.
On average, it produces one new leaf every few weeks. That slow pace means less pruning and fewer changes to your aquascape.
🪵 Best Positioning in Aquascapes
Since it doesn’t grow tall or fast, Coffeefolia works best in the:
Midground of small tanks
Foreground or front corners of larger tanks
Attached to hardscape like driftwood, lava rock, or coral
It doesn’t need to be planted in substrate. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Just tie or glue it to your favorite decor and let it do its thing.
💧 Anubias Coffeefolia Care: Light, Water, and Placement
Caring for Anubias Coffeefolia is refreshingly simple. It’s one of those plants that thrives with minimal input, just the way most aquarists like it.
Whether you’re using basic gear or a full aquascape setup, this plant fits right in.
💡 Lighting: Thrives in Low to Moderate Light
You don’t need expensive LEDs or high-intensity lights here. Coffeefolia is perfectly happy under:
Low light (around 0.5–1 watt per liter)
Moderate light (1–2 watts per liter)
Too much light can actually cause algae to grow on its slow-moving leaves, so skip the spotlight and let it chill in the shade.
🌡️ Water Parameters: pH, Temperature, and Hardness
This plant is super adaptable. Here’s the sweet spot:
pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
It handles a wide range, making it ideal for both beginner and community tanks.
🧪 CO₂ and Fertilizer Needs: Minimal
CO₂: Optional. It will grow a bit faster with added CO₂ but doesn’t require it.
Fertilizer: Occasional root tabs or liquid ferts can help if you want extra lushness, especially in low-nutrient tanks.
In most cases, your fish waste is enough to keep it going.
🪵 Ideal Placement Tips (Attach, Don’t Bury!)
Important: Never bury the rhizome! The roots can be gently wrapped around:
Driftwood
Lava rock
Coral stone
Or tied down with string or rubber bands
You can even use aquarium-safe super glue gel to hold it in place. Over time, the roots will grip the surface naturally.
Anubias Coffeefolia Plant Care Reference Guide
Characteristic
Details
Common Name
Anubias Coffeefolia
Botanical Name
Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia
Native Habitat
West Africa (cultivated hybrid)
Plant Type
Aquatic rhizome plant
Growth Pattern
Slow-growing, compact clumper
Mature Size
4–6″ tall, 6–8″ wide
Watering
Aquarium submerged; no dry soil
Light/Sun Exposure
Low to moderate aquarium light
Soil Type
Not planted; attach to rock or wood
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
Humidity
100% (fully aquatic or emersed)
Bloom Time & Flower Color
Occasional white spathe flower underwater
Potential Problems
Rhizome rot if buried; algae on leaves in high light
Repotting
Divide rhizome when mature
Hardiness Zones (USDA)
Aquarium use only; not rated for USDA zones
🪨 Attaching Anubias Coffeefolia to Driftwood or Rocks
One of the coolest things about Anubias Coffeefolia is how easy it is to anchor in your tank.
No messy substrate, no planting tools, just a bit of creativity and the right surface, and you’re good to go.
🪨 Why You Shouldn’t Plant It in Substrate
Let’s clear this up: burying the rhizome will kill the plant.
The rhizome is that thick horizontal stem where the leaves and roots grow from. If it’s buried, it’ll rot—and that’s game over.
Instead, Coffeefolia should be attached above the substrate to a stable surface.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
A piece of driftwood, lava rock, coral, or other aquarium-safe hardscape
Rubber bands, cotton thread, or aquarium-safe super glue gel
Your Anubias Coffeefolia, cleaned and ready to go
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Attach It
Gently remove the plant from its pot and rinse off any rock wool or debris.
Place the rhizome flat on your chosen rock or driftwood. Make sure the roots touch the surface.
Secure it:
Rubber band: Wrap loosely enough not to damage the rhizome but tight enough to hold it in place.
Cotton thread: Tie it with thread that will eventually decompose once the plant grabs hold.
Super glue gel: Dab a small amount on the surface and press the rhizome gently for 10–20 seconds.
🕒 What Happens Next?
Within a few weeks, the roots will naturally attach to the surface.
You can remove the rubber band or thread after the roots have taken hold.
The plant will slowly begin to spread and show new leaves without needing to be moved.
🌿 Anubias Barteri vs. Nana: Choosing the Right Plant
When it comes to picking the right Anubias for your tank, it often comes down to Barteri vs. Nana.
Both are hardy, low-maintenance, and beginner-friendly, but they’ve got different vibes depending on the look and space you’re going for.
📊 Quick Comparison: Barteri vs. Nana
Feature
Anubias Barteri
Anubias Nana
Size
Medium to large (up to 16″ tall)
Small and compact (3–6″ tall)
Leaf Shape
Broad, long, upright leaves
Short, rounded, thick leaves
Growth Habit
Slow, spreads wider and taller
Very slow, stays low and dense
Best Uses
Midground or background focal plant
Foreground or on small decor pieces
🧠 Which One’s Right for You?
Go with Barteri if you want a bold centerpiece or need something to fill space behind driftwood.
Choose Nana if you’re working with a nano tank or want to decorate rocks and small hardscape features without crowding the layout.
They both make great additions, and honestly, they look even better when used together!
🌱 Anubias Barteri Coffeefolia Propagation
Want more Anubias Coffeefolia without buying extra plants? Good news—propagating this beauty is easy and doesn’t require fancy tools or setups.
It just takes a little patience and the right cut.
✂️ How to Propagate Anubias Coffeefolia
This plant multiplies through rhizome division, not by seeds or runners. That means you’re essentially making a clone of the mother plant.
Here’s how to do it:
Wait until the rhizome is mature — at least 5–6 inches long with several healthy leaves.
Use sharp, clean scissors or aquascaping shears to snip the rhizome into sections. Each piece should have:
At least 2–3 healthy leaves
A portion of roots already growing
Attach the new section to hardscape just like the original.
Place it in a low-current area and give it time to recover and reattach.
⏳ When to Propagate
Only divide the plant once it’s well established.
Propagation is best done during regular tank maintenance so the plant can bounce back easily.
Don’t overdo it, each cut stresses the plant, so give it time between trims.
🌿 Tips for Healthy Growth
Don’t bury your cuttings.
Avoid handling the rhizome too much—it bruises easily.
Keep new divisions in similar lighting and water conditions as the parent plant.
🛒 Anubias Coffeefolia for Sale: What to Look For
Shopping for Anubias Coffeefolia? Whether you’re browsing online or checking your local fish store, knowing what to look for can help you avoid wasting money on unhealthy plants or unwanted pests.
🛍️ Where to Buy
You’ve got a few solid options:
Local fish stores (LFS): Great for hand-picking plants and asking questions
Online aquarium retailers: Often offer better variety, including tissue culture options
Aquarium hobby forums or swap groups: A budget-friendly way to buy from trusted hobbyists
Bonus: buying online can give you access to rare or larger-sized Coffeefolia that your LFS might not carry.
🔍 What Healthy Anubias Coffeefolia Looks Like
Before you buy, check for these signs of a thriving plant:
Firm, dark green or bronze leaves with visible veining
No mushy or black spots on the rhizome
White roots starting to form or already visible
Minimal algae growth or snail hitchhikers (unless you’re okay with them)
If you’re buying in-store, give the plant a gentle shake—leaves shouldn’t fall off easily.
🧫 Pot, Bare Root, or Tissue Culture?
Each comes with its own pros and cons:
Potted: Comes in rock wool; easy to transition, but may contain snails
Bare root: Ready to attach right away, but check the roots carefully
Tissue culture: Pest-free and super clean, but smaller and takes longer to establish
🐠 Bonus: Ideal Tank Mates for Anubias Coffeefolia
One more reason to love Anubias Coffeefolia is it plays nice with just about everyone.
Its sturdy leaves and mellow presence make it a great match for peaceful fish, shrimp, and other tank mates. But a few species? They’ll treat it like a salad bar.
✅ Compatible Fish and Invertebrates
Coffeefolia pairs well with most freshwater favorites, including:
Tetras, rasboras, and danios
Bettas (they love resting on the leaves)
Corydoras and otocinclus
Livebearers like guppies, mollies, and platies
Dwarf gouramis and small barbs
Freshwater shrimp (Amano, cherry, ghost)
Snails (like Nerite and Mystery)
These species are gentle on plants and won’t uproot or munch on the leaves.
🚫 Fish to Avoid
While Anubias is tougher than most plants, a few tank mates can cause trouble:
Goldfish – notorious for nibbling and uprooting plants
Large cichlids (like Oscars) – they’ll tear it up for fun
Plecos – especially common plecos, which sometimes rasp on leaves
Crayfish or large clawed shrimp – may shred plants while foraging
If you keep plant-tough species, try anchoring Anubias to decor in low-traffic spots, or go with floating plants instead.
❓ Anubias Coffeefolia FAQs
Still got questions about Anubias Coffeefolia? You’re not alone. Here are some quick and clear answers to the things new aquarists ask the most, straight to the point, just like your tank maintenance should be.
Q. Can I plant Anubias Coffeefolia in substrate?
A. No, don’t bury the rhizome. It’ll rot. Always attach it to a rock, driftwood, or something above the substrate.
Q. How fast does it grow?
A. Very slowly. You’ll usually see a new leaf every few weeks. It’s great for low-maintenance tanks that don’t need constant trimming.
Q. Does Anubias Coffeefolia need CO₂?
A. Not at all. It does just fine without CO₂ injection, though it might grow a bit faster with it.
Q. Is it safe for bettas and shrimp?
A. Absolutely. It’s a favorite for betta tanks and shrimp love hiding in its broad, textured leaves.
Q. Can I use super glue to attach it?
A. Yes! Just make sure it’s aquarium-safe gel glue. Use a small dab on the rhizome (not the roots), press gently, and let it bond.
Q. Why are my leaves turning yellow?
A. Most likely nutrient deficiency or too much direct light. Try adding a liquid fertilizer or adjusting the lighting.
Q. Can I grow it emersed (above water)?
A. Yep. Like other Anubias, it can grow above water in humid conditions—great for paludariums or ripariums.
🌿 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Anubias Coffeefolia
Anubias Coffeefolia is one of those rare plants that looks like a showstopper but behaves like a low-maintenance buddy.
Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first tank or a seasoned aquascaper looking to fill in a shady corner, this plant delivers beauty without the fuss.
💚 Effortless Beauty, Minimal Effort
You don’t need fancy gear or expert skills to make this plant thrive. It’s:
✅ Low-light tolerant — great for tanks without high-end lights
✅ Slow-growing — no constant pruning or reshaping
✅ Hardy and forgiving — handles a wide range of water conditions
✅ Stays compact — won’t overrun your aquascape
🐠 Friendly With Your Fish and Inverts
This plant plays well with others. You’ll find it’s:
🤝 Safe for shrimp and snails
💤 A favorite resting spot for bettas
🛡️ Tough enough to resist light nibbling from community fish
🏡 A great hiding spot for fry or shy critters
🎨 A Unique Look That Stands Out
Tired of the same old greenery? Coffeefolia brings something different:
☕ Rippled, coffee-like leaf texture
🌿 Rich bronze to green coloring
✨ Beautiful contrast in any aquascape
🪵 Looks stunning when tied to wood or rock
🌱 A Great First Step Into Aquascaping
Not ready for a high-tech jungle? Start here. Anubias Coffeefolia helps you:
💧 Learn how to care for rooted plants
🔗 Explore aquascaping with driftwood and stone
🧠 Build confidence before tackling advanced setups
🚀 Try It for Yourself!
Want a plant that thrives on low effort but still brings the “wow” factor? Anubias Coffeefolia is your plant. Just tie it to some decor, drop it in your tank, and enjoy watching it slowly grow into a bold, textured beauty.
Go ahead—give it a spot in your aquarium. You’ll be surprised how much life one little plant can bring.
