Description
Bucephalandra ‘Skeleton King’ is prized by collectors for its broad leaves and prominently raised veins, which create a striking rib-like, skeletal texture that few other Buce cultivars share. New growth often emerges with reddish petioles before darkening to deep green as it matures — a collector-grade epiphyte with care much like Anubias, though it grows more slowly and a little melt after planting is normal. Skeleton King is imported to order (about 15 days on pre-order).
What you get: one rhizome plant with about 10–14 leaves, similar to the photo.
Care
- Light: low to moderate
- CO₂: not required (boosts growth & colour)
- Temperature: 22–28°C
- Placement: attach the rhizome to wood or rock — never bury it. A little ‘buce melt’ after planting is normal.
Hand-packed and sent by courier anywhere in India; if it arrives dead, we refund or replace it (see the claim rule below).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bucephalandra ‘Skeleton King’ hard to grow?
No — despite its dramatic look, Skeleton King needs the same simple care as Anubias: low light, no CO₂, and it attaches to hardscape. It grows slowly, and a little melt after planting is normal.
How do I plant it?
Never bury the rhizome. Attach it to wood or rock; the roots grip on their own.
Why is my Bucephalandra melting?
A little buce melt after planting is normal as it adapts to your water. Keep the rhizome healthy and new growth follows.
Is it safe for shrimp and fish?
Yes — it is safe for shrimp, fish and community tanks. Like Anubias, Bucephalandra is an aroid whose leaves contain calcium oxalate, so do not let cats, dogs or other pets chew the leaves or trimmings.
What is the Bucephalandra Dark Skeleton King plant?
Dark Skeleton King is a trade name you will see for Bucephalandra ‘Skeleton King’. Buce trade names are not standardised, so the same plant can be sold under more than one name. Bucephalandra is a slow-growing rhizome plant from the streams of Borneo. Skeleton King’s broad leaves have raised, rib-like veins and darken to deep green or near-black. Like most Buce, it stays compact. Compare it with other cultivars in our Bucephalandra varieties guide.
Is Bucephalandra a good plant for an aquarium?
Yes. Bucephalandra is a hardy, slow-growing plant that suits most freshwater tanks. It grows on wood or rock, so the type of substrate does not matter. It handles low light, needs no CO2 and is happy at 22–28°C. It is safe with shrimp, bettas and community fish. The main trade-off is slow growth; see how it compares in Bucephalandra vs Java fern.
Can Bucephalandra grow without CO2?
Yes. Bucephalandra grows well without CO2 in low to moderate light, and many keepers grow it that way. Growth is slow without CO2, and Skeleton King is slow even for a Buce, so be patient. Once it has settled in, a complete liquid fertiliser once a week helps; see our fertiliser schedule for Anubias and Bucephalandra. CO2 is optional and mainly speeds growth and deepens colour.
What are common Bucephalandra problems?
The most common problems are melt, rhizome rot and algae. Some leaf melt in the first weeks is normal while the plant adjusts. Rot usually starts when the rhizome is buried or the water stays above about 30°C for weeks. Because each leaf lasts a long time, algae can build up on it under strong light. Keep the rhizome above the substrate and the light modest. Our Bucephalandra melting guide covers recovery.
How is it shipped across India?
It is hand-packed and sent by courier anywhere in India for a flat ₹99, free on orders of ₹999 or more. As a pre-order item, it ships about 15 days after you order. If it arrives dead, send one continuous unboxing video within 4 hours of delivery on WhatsApp or email and we refund or replace it.
New to this slow-growing genus? Read the full Bucephalandra care guide before planting.
Compare all cultivars in our Bucephalandra price guide and Bucephalandra care guide.
Compare light, CO2, growth rate and difficulty for every plant we stock in the aquarium plant care chart.
Why buy from Anubias.in: imported to order (about 15 days on pre-order); ₹99 shipping anywhere in India, free on orders of ₹999 or more; prepaid via UPI, cards or netbanking. Any claim (dead, damaged, wrong plant) needs one continuous unboxing video sent within 4 hours of delivery on WhatsApp (+91 81416 96983) or email (buyanubias@gmail.com); photos alone are not accepted. Read more about buying from Anubias.in.
Browse every variety we grow and import to order on our Bucephalandra collection page.
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