Anubias and Bucephalandra are often mentioned together — both are hardy epiphytes that attach to hardscape and thrive in low light without CO₂. So what’s the difference, and which should you buy?
Quick answer: Care is nearly identical — both are epiphytes tied to wood or rock (never bury the rhizome), needing only low-to-moderate light and no CO2. The real differences: Anubias has broad, glossy leaves, more size and budget options, and rarely melts; Bucephalandra has smaller, narrower leaves with a metallic blue-green sheen, usually costs more, and commonly drops a few leaves (“buce melt”) after moving. Choose Anubias for value and easy impact, Bucephalandra for jewel-like detail in nano scapes — most aquascapers end up using both.
Care: almost identical
Both attach to wood or rock (never bury the rhizome), need only low-to-moderate light, and require no CO₂. If you can grow one, you can grow the other.
Appearance
Anubias has broad, glossy, rounded leaves and ranges from tiny (Nana Petite) to large (Barteri). Bucephalandra has smaller, narrower leaves, often with a metallic blue-green sheen and fine spots — a more “jewel-like” look for nano scapes.
Melt
Bucephalandra commonly drops a few leaves after being moved (“buce melt”) before adapting; Anubias rarely melts unless its rhizome is buried or damaged.
Price
Bucephalandra is usually pricier, as it grows slowly and many varieties are collector items. Anubias offers more size and budget options — compare all 16 Anubias plant types in our guide.
Which should you choose?
Choose Anubias for easy impact and value; choose Bucephalandra for premium detail in nano aquascapes. Honestly, most aquascapers use both. Shipped across India with a live-arrival guarantee.
For a deeper dive into either plant, see our full Anubias care guide or Bucephalandra care guide.
 Anubias Nana White ₹310 Buy Now |  Anubias Nana ₹90 Buy Now |  Anubias Barteri var glabra ₹90 Buy Now |