Why is my Bucephalandra melting?

Bucephalandra is prone to 'melting' when transitioning between different water parameters, or when adapting from emersed (grown above water) to submerged conditions. Do not throw it away; if the rhizome is hard and green, new leaves will grow back in time.

Can I plant Bucephalandra in the gravel or soil?

No. Bucephalandra is an epiphyte with a rhizome. If you bury the thick, fleshy rhizome in the substrate, it will suffocate and rot. It should always be tied or glued to rocks or driftwood.

Does Bucephalandra need injected CO2?

Not strictly. Buce can thrive perfectly well in low-tech aquariums without added CO2. However, injecting CO2 will speed up their notoriously slow growth rate and often brings out brighter, more intense metallic colours.

How do I get rid of algae on my Buce leaves?

Because they grow so slowly, they are magnets for black beard algae and green spot algae. The best remedy is to reduce your light intensity, ensure good water flow, and employ a cleanup crew like Amano shrimp or Otocinclus. You can also spot-treat severe algae with liquid carbon.

Why is there a flower on my plant underwater?

Bucephalandra is famous for blooming while fully submerged. Producing a white or pinkish spathe flower is a sign that the plant is happy and healthy in your tank's conditions.

FreshwaterPlantsBeginner

Bucephalandra

Bucephalandra spp.

Bucephalandra is a highly sought-after, slow-growing epiphytic plant native to the fast-flowing streams of Borneo, famous for its iridescent, colourful foliage.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 2 – 20 cm
Nano tank: 10 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 20 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and water-column nutrients
Water flow: Moderate to High
Preferred setup: Must be attached to hardscape (wood or rock); rhizome must not be buried.

About the Bucephalandra

Known affectionately as 'Buce' by aquarists, Bucephalandra encompasses a vast and diverse genus of rheophytic plants endemic to the island of Borneo. They are prized for their iridescent leaves, which can display stunning shades of metallic blue, violet, deep red, and dark green. As epiphytes, they grow attached to rocks and driftwood rather than being buried in a substrate, making them incredibly versatile components in modern aquascaping. With hundreds of trade varieties available, they offer unique textures and colours for any layout.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Bucephalandra comes from

Native range

Borneo

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei

Habitat

Fast-flowing jungle streams, rocky riverbanks, and waterfalls

Strictly endemic to the island of Borneo.

Similar species

Anubias barteri var. nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Schismatoglottis prietoi
Schismatoglottis prietoi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent algae grazers that will keep the slow-growing Bucephalandra leaves clean without damaging the plant itself.
Great
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Peaceful fish that share a similar Southeast Asian habitat; they appreciate the shelter the broad leaves provide.
Great
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus vittatus
Gentle herbivores that effectively clean soft algae off the tough leaves without causing any harm.
Great
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
While generally safe, large and hungry individuals might occasionally nibble on the very delicate new shoots of expensive varieties.
Compatible with caution
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Highly herbivorous and will aggressively consume most aquarium plants, destroying the slow-growing Bucephalandra.
Not recommended
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Known for destructive foraging behaviour; they will uproot unattached plants and eat the leaves.
Not recommended

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