Anubias White Rose: Care Guide for This Rare Variegated Anubias

What Is Anubias White Rose?

Anubias White Rose is a rare variegated form of Anubias barteri with striking white and green patterned leaves. Unlike solid-green Anubias varieties, White Rose produces leaves with irregular white patches, streaks, and marbling — making each leaf unique. It's one of the most sought-after collector plants in the aquarium hobby.

Like all Anubias, White Rose is a rhizome plant native to West Africa. It grows slowly, tolerates low light, and doesn't require CO2 — making it beginner-friendly despite its exotic appearance.

Care Requirements

Planting and Placement

Never bury the rhizome. Like all Anubias, the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem where leaves emerge) must remain above the substrate. Burying it causes rot and kills the plant.

Best placement methods:

• Super glue (cyanoacrylate gel) to driftwood or rocks — the most common method
• Wedge between rocks or in crevices
• Tie with cotton thread (dissolves over time as the plant attaches naturally)

Ideal position: Foreground to midground. Place it where you can appreciate the variegation up close. Avoid placing under intense light — moderate shade helps prevent algae growth on the slow-growing leaves.

Why Variegation Is Special (and Challenging)

The white patches on Anubias White Rose contain no chlorophyll — they can't photosynthesize. This means the green portions of each leaf have to produce enough energy for the entire plant. That's why variegated Anubias:

• Grow even slower than regular Anubias
• Are more sensitive to low-light conditions (need enough light for the green parts to compensate)
• Should not be kept in very dark tanks
• May occasionally produce all-green or all-white leaves — both are normal

All-white leaves look stunning but will eventually die (they can't photosynthesize). All-green leaves are the plant reverting — not a problem, but if you want to maintain variegation, some growers remove all-green growth to encourage the plant to produce variegated leaves from the next node.

Propagation

Propagating Anubias White Rose is simple but slow:

1. Wait until the rhizome has grown to at least 6+ leaves
2. Cut the rhizome between leaves using a sharp, clean blade
3. Ensure each division has at least 3 leaves and some roots
4. Reattach each division to hardscape
5. New growth will emerge from the cut ends of both pieces

Note: Not all divisions will maintain the variegation pattern. Some may produce more green or more white leaves. This variability is part of what makes each White Rose plant unique.

Where to Buy Anubias White Rose

Anubias White Rose is a rare plant — you won't find it at most pet stores. Canton Aquatics carries variegated Anubias when available. Due to high demand and slow propagation, availability is limited. Check our current inventory or sign up for restock notifications.