Bucephalandra (or “buce”) has a reputation as an advanced plant, but the truth is it’s about as easy as Anubias. It’s a compact rhizome plant with bronze-green leaves and a subtle blue sheen that instantly elevates a nano tank or aquascape. Here’s how to keep it thriving.

Is Bucephalandra hard to grow?

No. Buce is a slow, hardy epiphyte that attaches to wood and rock and tolerates low light. The “difficult” label mostly comes from its higher price and the natural melt it can go through after a move — both easy to manage once you know what to expect.

Light and CO₂

Bucephalandra does well in low to moderate light without CO₂. Brighter light and CO₂ speed up growth and intensify colour, but they aren’t required. Too much light on such a slow grower invites algae, so start modest.

Attaching to hardscape

Like Anubias, never bury the rhizome. Attach buce to driftwood or rock with cotton thread or super-glue gel and let its roots take hold. It’s perfect for detailing crevices and the front of an aquascape.

“Buce melt” is normal

After arriving in a new tank, Bucephalandra may drop a few leaves — this is normal “melt” as it adjusts to your water. Don’t panic and don’t throw it out: keep the rhizome attached and healthy, and new, acclimatised growth follows.

Growth and propagation

Buce grows slowly. To propagate, cut the rhizome into sections, each with a few leaves and roots, and attach them elsewhere. Patience is rewarded with a dense, jewel-like clump.

Explore our Bucephalandra collection and pair it with Anubias for a low-tech aquascape — shipped across India with a live-arrival guarantee.