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Bucephalandra Epiphyte Plant Care

Bucephalandra sp.

Bucephalandra offers unique colors and textures for aquascapes. This slow-growing epiphyte attaches to hardscape.

Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra sp.) plant care reference image
Advanced Care
Light
Medium
Growth Rate
Very Slow
Difficulty
Advanced
Placement
Epiphyte

Overview

Bucephalandra is a rare and stunning epiphyte known for its iridescent leaves and incredible variety of colors and textures. It is highly prized among aquascapers for adding detail to rocks and driftwood in nature-style layouts.

Care Guide

Attach the rhizome to hardscape using super glue or fishing line, keeping it completely above the substrate. Provide stable water parameters and moderate flow, as sudden changes can trigger leaf melt. Patience is essential because this plant grows extremely slowly.

Taxonomy

Family
Araceae
Origin
Borneo

Growth

Growth Rate
Very Slow
Emersed Capable
Yes
Rhizome Plant
Yes
Floating Plant
No

Water Parameters

Temperature
Water pH

Lighting

Requirement
Medium
PAR Min
20 μmol/m²/s
PAR Max
80 μmol/m²/s

Nutrition & Fertilization

CO₂ Requirement
Low
Nitrate Demand
Low
Phosphate Demand
Low
Potassium Demand
Low

Algae Sensitivity

Black Beard Algae
High
Green Spot Algae
Moderate
Diatoms
Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bucephalandra melting after I added it to the tank?
Bucephalandra is sensitive to sudden parameter changes and may melt when introduced to a new tank. Remove the affected leaves, maintain stable conditions, and the rhizome will usually produce new growth.