Bucephalandra Care Guide
What water parameters does Bucephalandra need?
Bucephalandra is highly adaptable and tolerates a wide range of water parameters. Ideal conditions include: Temperature 60-80°F (15-27°C), pH 5.0-7.5, and general hardness (GH) of 4-8 dGH. It can survive in both soft and hard water, making it perfect for various aquarium setups. Regular water changes of 25-30% weekly help maintain water quality and promote healthy growth.
How fast does Bucephalandra grow?
Bucephalandra is a slow-growing plant, which is one of its main advantages. It typically grows 1-2 new leaves per month under optimal conditions. This slow growth rate means it requires minimal maintenance and trimming, making it ideal for aquascapers who prefer low-maintenance plants. The slow growth also helps prevent the plant from overtaking your aquarium layout.
Where should I place Bucephalandra in my aquarium?
Bucephalandra is best placed in the midground or foreground of your aquarium. It works wonderfully attached to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape elements using fishing line or plant glue. Never bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) in substrate, as this can cause rot. Position it in shaded areas away from direct light sources. Its compact size and slow growth make it perfect for creating natural-looking aquascapes and focal points.
What maintenance tips should I follow?
Bucephalandra requires minimal maintenance. Key tips include: (1) Never bury the rhizome - keep it exposed to prevent rot, (2) Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly, (3) Provide liquid fertilizers (all-in-one or macronutrient supplements) every 1-2 weeks for optimal growth, (4) Ensure good water circulation to prevent algae buildup on leaves, (5) Avoid moving the plant frequently - let it establish itself, (6) Clean leaves gently with a soft brush if algae develops. With proper care, your Bucephalandra will thrive for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every plant we sell is grown fully submersed — underwater — in our own facility here in Australia. Most plants sold online, including many from importers and nurseries, are grown emersed (above water) and need to transition once they enter your aquarium. This transition often causes "melt," where the plant sheds its emersed leaves before slowly regrowing aquatic ones.
Our plants skip that process entirely. What arrives at your door is already living its best aquatic life — with established root systems, thick healthy rhizomes, and true submersed foliage that's ready to thrive in your tank from day one.
We're also hobbyists ourselves, which means we only stock species we genuinely care about and would keep in our own tanks. Every batch is inspected before dispatch — if it's not up to standard, it doesn't ship.
All photos are taken in house at our facility, This means we use zero stock photos, This ensures our customers know exactly what they are getting, Although sizes and shapes my vary slightly, you can rest assured that our photos truely reflect the plant you will receive.
Our plants are always grown submersed, We grow all our plants in premium, display ready tanks using high lighting and c02, Our system is not designed for mass production, but for quality.
We have spent years learning the perfect lighting, dosing and maintenance routines to give our customers the best plants possible
Shipping Information
We ship Monday-Wednesday every week, Orders placed over the weekend are dispatched monday. Orders placed before 10am Monday-Wednesday are dispatched same day. Express post is used for all orders.
We ship our plants to NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, And the ACT.
We can only ship Tissue cultures to WA due to strict biosecurity laws.
Of course! Although we are yet to have this happen, We will always provide compensation if your order does not arrive in good health.
If this is the event, Please provide photo evidence within 4 hours of receiving the plants and your case will be assessed.
Plants cannot be refunded if they melt in your tank as this is influenced by many factors outside of our control.