Bucephalandra: 24 species with descriptions and photos, maintenance and care

If you enjoy keeping plants in aquariums, you’ve probably heard of Bucephalandra. This intriguing genus of freshwater plants is well-liked due to its distinctive look and low maintenance requirements. Bucephalandra comes from the rivers and streams of Borneo and the surrounding areas, and it offers a variety of species that can enhance the aesthetics and diversity of your tank.

The striking foliage of Bucephalandra plants is renowned for its variety in shapes, sizes, and colors. There is a plant to fit practically any aquarium setup, from the broad, textured leaves of Bucephalandra "Wavy Green" to the compact, colorful leaves of Bucephalandra "Brownie." Every species has a unique charm that can add a hint of exotica to your aquatic setting.

We will look at 24 different Bucephalandra species in this guide. To assist you in identifying them, we’ll go over their distinctive characteristics, offer thorough explanations, and provide pictures. We’ll also provide helpful advice on how to take care of these plants, such as the best places for them in your aquarium and how to maintain the water quality. Regardless of your level of experience, this guide will make it easy for you to enjoy and care for these amazing plants.

Species	Description and Care
Bucephalandra Brownie	Small plant with brownish-green leaves. Prefers low to medium light and slow water flow. Ideal for small aquariums.
Bucephalandra Green Wavy	Bright green, wavy leaves. Grows slowly and needs low to medium light. Suitable for beginner aquarists.
Bucephalandra Mini Coin	Compact size with round leaves. Thrives in low to medium light. Great for nano tanks and aquascaping.
Bucephalandra Patricia	Unique dark green leaves with reddish hues. Requires low to moderate light and steady water conditions.
Bucephalandra Black Pearl	Dark, almost black leaves. Prefers low light and stable water parameters. Slow-growing but striking.
Bucephalandra Sp. Kedagang	Small plant with elongated leaves. Best in low to medium light and calm water. Easy to care for and attractive.
Bucephalandra Red	Red-tinged leaves that add color to any tank. Needs low light and gentle water flow. Perfect for adding variety.
Bucephalandra Biblis	Leaves with a mix of green and red. Enjoys low to medium light. Slow-growing but visually appealing.
Bucephalandra Camo	Leaves with a camouflage pattern. Prefers low light and consistent water quality. Adds a unique touch to aquariums.
Bucephalandra Green Line	Distinctive green leaves with dark veins. Thrives in low light and stable water conditions. Easy to care for.
Bucephalandra Giant	Large leaves and robust growth. Needs low to medium light. Ideal for larger aquariums.
Bucephalandra Sp. Dark Green	Deep green leaves with a compact growth habit. Prefers low light and calm water. Great for shaded areas.
Bucephalandra Super Mini	Very small size with dense growth. Needs low light and stable conditions. Perfect for small tanks.
Bucephalandra Red Star	Red-tinted leaves with star-shaped growth. Best in low light. Adds a splash of color to your tank.
Bucephalandra Black Dragon	Dark, dragon-like leaves. Requires low to medium light and stable water. Unique and striking appearance.
Bucephalandra Sp. Mini	Small size with delicate leaves. Enjoys low light and calm water. Ideal for aquascaping and small setups.
Bucephalandra Wavy Green	Green, wavy leaves. Prefers low to medium light and stable water. Easy to grow and maintain.
Bucephalandra White Stripe	Leaves with white stripes. Thrives in low light and steady conditions. Adds visual interest to any aquarium.
Bucephalandra Purple Leaf	Leaves with a purple hue. Needs low light and gentle water flow. Unique color for a diverse tank.
Bucephalandra Sp. Mini Coin Green	Small and compact with green leaves. Prefers low light and stable conditions. Great for aquascaping small tanks.
Bucephalandra Red Velvet	Velvety red leaves. Thrives in low light and steady water conditions. Adds a rich color to aquariums.
Bucephalandra Ropal	Distinctive leaf shape with a dark green color. Prefers low to medium light. Adds texture and interest to tanks.
Bucephalandra Wavy Red	Red wavy leaves. Requires low light and stable water conditions. Striking appearance and slow growth.
Bucephalandra Purple Dragon	Purple leaves with a unique shape. Best in low light and calm water. Adds a dramatic touch to your setup.

Description

Streams and freshwater bodies on Borneo, an island that is regarded as a part of the Malay Archipelago, are Bucephalandra’s natural habitat.

This Araceae family marsh plant resembles anubias and cryptocorynes.

James Motley and Heinrich Wilhelm Schott published the first description of Bucephalandra in 1858. The plant was never investigated after Motley passed away, and the family as a whole was never categorized.

When bucephalandra first emerged in Europe in 2001, it sparked a surge in interest never seen before. A Russian botanical study team was dispatched to Borneo in 2013.

Three years later, 25 species were discovered as a result of a genus revision for Bucephalandra. There are over thirty of them as of right now.

The creeping nature of Bucephalandra’s roots sets it apart from other aquarium plants. Their thin threads, known as rizoids, serve as their means of attachment to the soil.

As seen in the picture, the plant’s leaves are rounded or lanceolate and have smooth or wavy edges. They have silvery or golden spots on their surface.

The tiny stem’s color is different from the leaves’. Overall, it frequently appears as though this plant is artificial rather than natural.

Fascinating! Unfortunately, research on all of them is incomplete, which is why Sp is frequently added to the name. or Cf. — the acronym indicates that this species has not yet received a complete description.

Blooming is Bucephalandra. The corollas are tiny, typically measuring no more than 2 cm in length and are light in color. The peduncles are 5–6 cm long.

Aquariums and paludariums contain Bucephalandra.

Species

It is known that there are over thirty species, but very few of them are well-known.

Belindae

Because of its elongated, narrow leaves, this kind of Bucephalandra is a good choice for embellishing an aquarium’s front wall.

One distinguishing characteristic is the color shift in response to varying water conditions. For instance, the leaves turn a vivid green color as the CO2 level rises.

Bright light is not necessary for Belinda. For low and medium illumination, it is adequate. Care and upkeep are not difficult. The current temperature range is 18–29 °C.

This type of Bucephalandra reaches a maximum height of 12 cm and a maximum width of 1-2 cm. In a short while, lush thickets will form if the right conditions are created.

Biblis

This variety of Bucephalandra likewise exhibits color variation in a variety of settings. The leaves lighten and take on a pink hue when there is insufficient light and nutrition.

Biblis can reach a maximum height of 7 cm. Dense, roughly 5-cm-long leaves cling to a thick stem.

The water’s temperature should be between 22 and 28 °C for active growth. Should it fall suddenly, the plant will lose its leaves. There should be medium to intense lighting.

Bucephalandra sp. Aridarum narrow

Marked by incredibly sluggish growth. most frequently found in swift streams or tropical waterfalls.

There are no particular requirements for maintaining this kind of Bucephalandra. It is comfortable even in dimly lit areas.

The leaves of the plant are robust. Because of its well-developed root system, the plant has good soil adhesion.

Bucephalandra sp. Arrogant blue

This species is distinguished by its unique coloring, with silvery sparkles covering the dark blue leaf surface. It grows naturally in swampy areas and swift-moving Indonesian streams.

Underwater, the plant blooms. Its care is unpretentious, just like that of other species. Water transparency and a minimal quantity of organic additives are the only requirements.

Bucephalandra sp. Brownie

Given that it can grow in both rivers and swamps, it is regarded as a universal species. Perfect for even the novice breeder.

The surface of elongated elliptical leaves is either green or red.

The plant is eight centimeters tall. These bucephalandras are buried in the ground or planted on a snag.

Using fertilizers and keeping CO2 at the right level are essential for successful breeding.

Bucephalandra Brownie phantom

Although it grows slowly, no special attention is needed. The most important thing is to establish a temperature range of 20 to 30 °C and to periodically fertilize with specialized liquid agents.

One distinctive characteristic of this species of Bucephalandra is its dark green leaves, which are speckled with white dots.

Brownie red

The hue is red, just like the name. The leaves measure only three centimeters. grows more quickly than other species, but unique circumstances need to be kept in place.

Thus, the temperature shouldn’t rise above 22–28 °C, and the acidity shouldn’t be higher than 8 pH.

Bucephalandra Motleyana Kapit

Its diminutive size is the primary distinction. The leaves are round, slightly elongated, and have a deep green color.

Bucephalandra Bukit kelam dark green

A defining characteristic are the numerous unevenly edged oval leaves. They’re all very dark green.

The stem is 10 cm tall on average. It has a pink hue. The roots are not strong.

The Bucephalandra Bukit Kelam can grow in spite of dim or inadequate lighting.

It can be maintained at a temperature of 20 to 26 °C. thrives in water, but the seeds won’t germinate.

Catherineae super mini

Uncommonly discovered. Considering that it is only 3 cm tall, it is a subspecies dwarf.

There are medium-sized leaves growing on the light green stem that sprawls along the ground. The water’s condition affects how saturated their green color is.

It is best to use medium or intense lighting when breeding this Bucephalandra. 22… 28 °C is the temperature.

Bucephalandra motleyana Riam seterap

Bigger than the preceding variant. Its long, thin leaves have edges that are either smooth or wavy.

Although they have a dark green color, the water’s characteristics can alter this.

Bucephalandra motleyana Gunung sumpit

Large, bright green leaves with a pointy tip set it apart. The stem has a reddish-brown color.

The plant’s size and intriguing color enable you to incorporate it into visually striking compositions.

Bucephalandra Motleyana Riam macam

Its striking features include a large reddish-brown stem and medium-sized, deep green foliage.

It is appropriate to breed this Bucephalandra in small aquariums.

Bucephalandra sp. Green wave

Demands the establishment of unique conditions:

• temperature 22…25 °C;
• acidity 6.5–7.5 pH;
• hardness — 5–15;
• strong lighting;
• daylight hours 8 hours.

Take note! This species of Bucephalandra prefers steady water conditions and dislikes abrupt changes.

Bucephalandra sp. Narcissus 1 melawi

The region of Malawi, South Africa, gave rise to the name. Under natural circumstances, it establishes itself firmly on the stony banks of streams and rivers.

Regarding lighting and water conditions, there are no particular requirements. However, since the plant dislikes being in the ground, using stones and driftwood is preferable.

Its leaves are oval or long and have wavy edges. It has a short stem.

The leaves are green at first, but they eventually take on a coppery hue.

Shine blue

The Bucephalandra Shine blue is a carefree species that grows more quickly than other species. At up to 20 cm in height, it is significantly bigger than its relatives. The leaves are strong and have a short stem (8–12 cm).

When leaves are young, they are green, but as they get older, they get blue.

Narcissus

Three subspecies of Bucephalandra sp. Narcissus are recognized:

1. Elongated curly leaves. As the plant matures, they turn from green to blue. The bush grows up to 12 cm in height. Thin, few roots.
2. Oval, straight leaves. As in the case of its fellow, over time they become blue, covered with a waxy coating on top. Average height is 10 cm.
3. The third subspecies is dwarf, because it does not grow more than 5 cm. The leaves are oblong, with uneven edges.

The three subspecies can only grow well in bright light.

Bucephalandra Silver powder

Bucephalandra is a fast-growing plant that produces silver powder. most frequently joined to snags. The stem is 20 centimeters long and spreads outward.

Oval-shaped, dark green leaves have silvery dots all over them. The veins on older leaves are blue.

22–25 °C is the ideal temperature.

Skeleton king

Green and Dark Achilles are the two varieties. They grow to a height of 20 cm on average.

The leaves have rounded edges and distinct veins. The surface is wax-covered and glossy.

Bucephalandra sp. Godzilla

Godzilla’s petioles are short and have hard leaves. Their edges are wavy and their shape is oblong.

The surface containing light particles. The stem disperses across the surface.

Bucephalandra sp. Kedagang

The foliage and roots have a reddish hue. The latter has light dots all over its surface. They measure 3–4 cm long and 1 cm wide.

Take note! In aquariums, Bucephalandra kedagang seldom blooms.

Bucephalandra sp. Red Mini

It rises to a height of 2-3 cm. Red Mini grows slowly. The leaves have a reddish tint and are small, oval, and slightly oblong.

Bucephalandra sp. Sokan Blue Purple

Purple-blue leaves are an uncommon shade of purple-blue. They are spherical in shape, have uneven edges, and are somewhat stiff.

The stem spreads along the bottom, just like other species. used to adorn the aquarium’s foreground.

Centipede

A large plant with a length of 20 cm. Long leaves have hues ranging from a rich green to a scarlet. They are 3–8 cm in size, and their surface is glossy.

Bucephalandra requires little upkeep or attention. The conditions’ stability is the most important factor.

1. Water properties. Acidity is no more than 5.6–7.4 pH, and the temperature is 22…28 °C. There are no special instructions regarding hardness. It is desirable that these indicators do not change sharply, otherwise the leaves will weaken and begin to die.
2. Illumination. It all depends on the type of Bucephalantdra. Generally speaking, the best option is moderate. The preferred length of daylight is 8–10 hours.
3. Additives. It is necessary to establish the supply of carbon dioxide, and also add useful substances to the water – nitrates, phosphates, potassium.
4. Water change. It is carried out if the leaves are covered with warts or black beard. Change 25-30%.

For Bucephalandra, the soil is irrelevant because it prefers thorns and stones.

It is not frightening if the roots do not reach it. However, this is a sensible approach to meal planning.

Some of the most interesting and adaptable plants you can add to your aquarium are Bucephalandra species. Their diverse range of forms, dimensions, and hues add a special element to any aquatic arrangement. Regardless of your level of experience, there is a Bucephalandra species that will be ideal for your tank.

From the lush, broad leaves of Bucephalandra ‘Wavy Leaf’ to the delicate, vibrant hues of Bucephalandra ‘Kedagang,’ each of the 24 species that we investigated has unique qualities of its own. You can choose the ideal plant for the aesthetic and environment of your aquarium by being aware of these variations. You can make sure these plants flourish and improve your underwater landscape by matching the species to the conditions in your tank.

Although it’s not too difficult to maintain, Bucephalandra does need some careful attention to detail. These plants can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and prefer low to moderate lighting. Regular maintenance will keep them looking their best and promote healthy growth, such as pruning and water quality monitoring.

To summarize, aquarists wishing to enhance the beauty and diversity of their tanks have an abundance of choices when it comes to Bucephalandra. These plants are a fantastic option for anyone wishing to create a gorgeous aquatic environment because of their striking appearances and easy care requirements. Examine the range, try out various species, and savor the distinct charm that Bucephalandra adds to your aquarium.

This post will explore the intriguing realm of Bucephalandra, a well-known genus of aquatic plants that is drawing interest from aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. We’ll examine 24 distinct Bucephalandra species, offering thorough explanations and eye-catching images to aid in identification and appreciation of their distinctive traits. We’ll also provide helpful hints on how to take care of and maintain these plants so that they flourish in your aquarium. Regardless of your level of experience, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to successfully add Bucephalandra to your aquatic setup.

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