
Photo: brettaugustCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Aponogeton barteri Plant Care
Tinnea barteri Gürke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves, this plant originates from tropical West Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Tinnea barteri for its unique foliage that adds a touch of lushness and drama to any indoor space.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Aponogeton barteri?
Plant Aponogeton barteri in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Aponogeton barteri?
Aponogeton barteri (Tinnea barteri) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Tinnea genus. Aponogeton barteri is native to Africa. Aponogeton barteri is also known as African fern, laceleaf plant.
Aponogeton barteri displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Aponogeton barteri produces small purple tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aponogeton barteri?
Water a young or newly planted Aponogeton barteri every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aponogeton barteri Need?
Aponogeton barteri thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aponogeton barteri Prefer?
Tinnea barteri tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Aponogeton barteri prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aponogeton barteri?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Aponogeton barteri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aponogeton barteri?
Feed Aponogeton barteri every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Aponogeton barteri?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Aponogeton barteri is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aponogeton barteri?
Aponogeton barteri can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Aponogeton barteri?
Prune Aponogeton barteri while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Aponogeton barteri in Winter?
Aponogeton barteri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aponogeton barteri?
Aponogeton barteri can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish moss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aponogeton barteri Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aponogeton barteri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aponogeton barteri?
Aponogeton barteri is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aponogeton barteri Need?
Aponogeton barteri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Aponogeton barteri is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Aponogeton barteri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Aponogeton barteri is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tinnea genus — compare its care with other Tinnea species on PlantoScan.
Tinnea is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Aponogeton barteri thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tinnea Species
Other Tinnea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tinnea barteri Gürke, family Lamiaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 28: 314 (1900)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aponogeton barteri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: brettaugust, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
