Bucephalandra
Bucephalandra is a slow rhizome epiphyte, popular with aquascaping collectors, that grows like anubias but comes in a huge range of dark greens, blues and purples with a fine glitter to the leaves.
Last reviewed: October 2026
AI illustration Overview
Bucephalandra is a slow rhizome epiphyte, popular with aquascaping collectors, that grows like anubias but comes in a huge range of dark greens, blues and purples with a fine glitter to the leaves. It grows attached to hardscape in low light, is very hardy once settled, and comes in dozens of named varieties. (Bucephalandra species.)
Origin & Natural Habitat
Borneo, endemic to rocks in and beside fast, clear rainforest streams - many localised, named forms.
Appearance
Small, stiff, often iridescent leaves in green, blue, brown or purple on a creeping rhizome; leaves can show a fine sparkle. Compact and slow.
Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits
- Beautiful, collectible leaf colours
- Epiphyte: attaches to wood and rock
- Low light, no CO2 required
- Compact and slow, easy to place
Care
Light: Low to moderate; colours deepen with a little more light, but slow growth means algae if overdone.
Water: 22-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard.
Substrate: None - glue or tie the rhizome to hardscape, like anubias. Never bury it.
CO₂ & feeding: Not required; CO2 and light bring out colour and slightly faster growth.
Placement: Foreground to midground detail on wood and rock.
Extra: Newly bought buce often 'melts' - old leaves dissolve while it adapts to your water. Keep the rhizome attached and unburied; fresh leaves emerge from the growth point.
Propagation
Cut the rhizome into sections, each with leaves and roots, and re-attach.
Common Problems & Pests
Initial melt after import; algae on slow old leaves in bright light. Otherwise very hardy.
Toxicity & Safety
Not on the ASPCA lists. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's plant lists for cats and dogs have no entry for this plant, and we have no other checked source either way. If a pet chews it and seems unwell, call your vet or a pet poison helpline.
Best Suited For
- Aquascapers and collectors
- Low-tech hardscape detail
- Shrimp tanks
- Anyone who likes anubias but wants colour
FAQ
My new bucephalandra lost most of its leaves - is that normal?
Yes. Buce commonly melts after import while adapting. Leave the rhizome attached and unburied; new leaves grow from the tip.
How do I get the blue and purple colours?
A bit more light (and CO2 if you have it) deepens the iridescence - but keep it slow enough to avoid algae.
Gear for growing bucephalandra
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