Anubias barteri butterfly on Pterocapus wood

The Anubias Barteri 'Butterfly' on Pterocarpus wood is a popular choice for aquariums because it combines a visually striking plant with the convenience of being pre-attached to a piece of natural, aquarium-safe wood. Here are the key details about this product.

 Plant Description: Anubias Barteri 'Butterfly'

This plant is a specific cultivar of the standard Anubias barteri, celebrated for its distinctive foliage.

• Unique Leaf Shape: Its name comes from its broad, heart-shaped leaves that are said to resemble butterfly wings, adding a delicate and graceful aesthetic to an aquascape .

• Appearance: It features rich, bright green leaves that provide a lovely contrast against the darker wood .

• Growth Habit: Like other Anubias, it has a slow growth rate and a compact form, typically reaching a height of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) . This makes it suitable for placement in the midground or background of an aquarium .

 Care Guidelines

One of the main reasons for its popularity is that it is very easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners.

• Lighting: It thrives in low to moderate light. High light is not necessary and can actually promote unsightly algae growth on the leaves .

• Water Parameters: It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions. The ideal temperature is between 72-82°F (22-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 .

• CO2 and Fertilization: CO2 supplementation is not required for this plant to thrive . It absorbs nutrients from the water column, so occasional dosing with a liquid fertilizer can be beneficial but is not strictly necessary .

• The Golden Rule (Don't Bury the Rhizome): This is the most important care tip. Anubias plants have a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome. If this rhizome is buried in substrate, it will rot and kill the plant. Because it's attached to wood, this problem is completely avoided .

The "Pterocarpus Wood" Advantage

The plant comes pre-attached to a piece of Pterocarpus wood, offering several benefits:

• What is Pterocarpus Wood?: Pterocarpus is a genus of hardwood trees, often known as African Padauk or African Coral Wood . It is a dense, durable wood that is prized in aquariums because it is heavy and will sink immediately without needing to be waterlogged .

• Instant Aquascaping: The main advantage is convenience. You can simply "plop and drop" this piece into your aquarium exactly where you want it, instantly creating a natural-looking focal point without any complex planting or gluing .

• Rhizome Safety: By having the plant on wood, you ensure the sensitive rhizome is kept safely above the substrate, guaranteeing the long-term health of the plant .

In summary, the Anubias Barteri 'Butterfly' on Pterocarpus wood is a hardy, low-maintenance, and beautiful living decoration that is perfect for any freshwater aquarium. I hope this gives you a clear picture of this plant! Are you interested in learning about any other specific aspects, such as how to clean it or what fish it pairs well with?