Bucephalandra are loved in the aquarium hobby for their rich, vibrant colors, unique leaf shapes and ease of care being very low maintenance. Bucephalandra or ‘Buce’ is a slow-growing, hardy, epiphytic plant that naturally grows on rocks and driftwood in fast-flowing rivers and streams. Bucephalandra are native to the island of Borneo with hundreds of varieties with a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes and colors.

The Bucephalandra genus belongs to the family of Araceae. Similar to Anubias, they grow from a creeping rhizome with strong wiry roots that form an extensive root system. This allows them to anchor firmly to the hardscape in an aquarium such as rocks or driftwood. If you plant a Bucephalandra near the ground, ensure that the rhizome remains above the substrate. Otherwise, the plant may slowly rot and die.

Key Characteristics
Epiphytic Nature: Bucephalandra are “epiphytes,” meaning they grow on surfaces like rocks and wood rather than being planted in the substrate. The thick, creeping rhizome (stem) must remain exposed, or it will rot.
Appearance: There are hundreds of varieties with a wide range of leaf shapes (oval, narrow, wavy-edged) and colors, including shades of green, blue, brown, and purple, often with an iridescent or speckled appearance.
Growth Rate: They are known for being very slow-growing, with some varieties producing only a leaf or two per week.
Versatility: They can grow both fully submerged in aquariums or emersed (above water) in high-humidity environments like paludariums and terrariums.
Flowering: A unique feature is their ability to produce small, elegant white or pink flowers, even when submerged.
Care and Cultivation
Bucephalandra is considered an easy-care plant, suitable for beginners, with requirements similar to Anubias and Java Ferns.
Lighting: They thrive in low to medium light conditions. Higher light can encourage faster growth but may also lead to algae issues.
Water Parameters: They are adaptable to a broad range of freshwater parameters:
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C).
pH: 6.0–8.0.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
Water Flow: Good water circulation is important, mimicking their native habitat in fast-moving rivers.
Planting: Attach the plant to hardscape (rocks or driftwood) using super glue gel or thread. Do not bury the rhizome in the substrate.
Fertilization and CO2: While not strictly necessary in a low-tech tank, liquid fertilizers and CO2 injection can significantly enhance growth rate, health, and coloration.
Propagation: The easiest method is by gently cutting the rhizome with scissors and attaching the new section to another surface.