Bucephalandra
Bucephalandra sp.
Check BucephalandraBucephalandra is an increasingly popular epiphytic plant native to Borneo, prized for its compact size, varied leaf shapes, and iridescent coloring that can shimmer blue, green, or purple under the right lighting. Like Anubias, it grows from a rhizome and should be attached to hardscape. It is slow-growing but incredibly low-maintenance and adds a unique texture to any aquascape.
Lighting
Low to moderate
CO2
Not required
Growth Rate
Very slow
Placement
Foreground to midground
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to grow Bucephalandra in your planted tank.
Accessories
Seachem Flourish Liquid Fertilizer
Comprehensive micronutrient supplement providing the trace elements Bucephalandra absorbs through its leaves. A small weekly dose enhances the iridescent blue, green, and purple shimmer it displays under quality lighting, without promoting algae growth on this slow-growing epiphyte.
CO2 Systems
Seachem Flourish Excel
Liquid bioavailable carbon source acting as a CO2 alternative for Bucephalandra. Regular dosing provides organic carbon for steady rhizome growth and new leaf development, and helps prevent the black beard algae that commonly plagues slow-growing epiphytes.
Substrate & Soil
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum
Creates the soft, slightly acidic water chemistry that Bucephalandra prefers. While Bucephalandra is tied to hardscape rather than planted in substrate, this volcanic soil establishes the ideal water parameters for the Bornean streams where it originates.