Anubias Snow White
Anubias Snow White is one of the most striking variegated plants in the hobby. A cultivar of Anubias barteri, it produces broad, heart-shaped leaves in creamy white to pale yellow with occasional green marbling — the result of reduced chlorophyll in the leaf tissue. Under good lighting the coloration is genuinely arresting, making it one of the few truly white aquatic plants you can actually keep long-term. It grows slowly like all Anubias, but patience is very much rewarded here.
Care Requirements Moderate care with one important nuance: because Snow White has reduced chlorophyll, it needs more light than standard Anubias to photosynthesize effectively, but still cannot tolerate intense direct light on the rhizome. Low to medium lighting with good water quality is the sweet spot. No CO2 required, though supplementation helps. Keep nitrates reasonable and avoid moving it once settled — Anubias of all types strongly dislike being uprooted.
Placement & Planting Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rocks using super glue gel or cotton thread — never bury it in substrate, as this causes rot and will quickly kill the plant. Works beautifully as a midground focal point or tucked into the base of driftwood. The pale coloration contrasts dramatically against green stem plants and dark hardscape, making it a natural centerpiece.
Parameters Temperature: 72-82°F | pH: 6.0-7.5 | Lighting: Low-Medium | CO2: Not Required | Growth: Slow | Difficulty: Moderate
Some greening is normal, especially in lower light conditions. The white variegation is driven by reduced chlorophyll — in low light the plant may produce more chlorophyll to compensate. Slightly increasing light intensity (without overdoing it) can help maintain the white coloration. New leaves often emerge with the best white coloration regardless.
