Propagating Bucephalandra 'Achilles': Rhizome Division Guide

Guide to propagating the robust, bronze-flushed Bucephalandra 'Achilles' by rhizome division, attaching it to wood or rock and avoiding buce melt.

Overview

Bucephalandra 'Achilles' is a robust cultivar with broad lance-shaped leaves and a bronze flush on new growth. Like the rest of the genus Bucephalandra, it is a rheophytic herb endemic to Borneo, where the plants form dense mats over stones and rocks in flowing streams and rivers.

It is an epiphytic rhizome plant: a creeping, rooting rhizome carries the leaves and clings to hardscape rather than rooting in open substrate. Propagation therefore relies on rhizome division, not topping or cuttings.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Bucephalandra is propagated easily by dividing the rhizome. Each division should keep its own leaves and roots so it grows on as an independent plant. Cut at a natural bend in the rhizome where separate foliage clumps have formed.

Step-by-Step

1. Pick a healthy 'Achilles' clump with several leaves and visible roots.
2. With clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome at a natural bend, leaving leaves and roots on each piece.
3. Attach each division to driftwood or rock using sewing thread or super glue gel, or wedge it into a crack in a rock.
4. Keep the rhizome exposed; the roots grip the surface and the divisions grow on as separate plants.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Achilles' performs well in both nano and standard tanks under low to medium lighting. Strong light mainly invites algae because growth is so slow. CO2 is not required but can speed things up. Suitable water is around 21-28 C (70-82 F) with a pH near 6-8.

Maintenance

Maintenance is minimal. The rhizome stores nutrients, so healthy plants keep producing new shoots on their own. An all-in-one liquid fertiliser supports steady growth, and gentle flow keeps the broad leaves clean.

Common Challenges

Buce melt is the main thing to expect: after introduction, leaves may melt while the plant adjusts to submersed conditions, since farm-grown stock is usually emersed. Do not discard the rhizome; a healthy one stores nutrients and will push out new shoots.

• Buce melt after introduction: keep the rhizome and wait for new shoots.
• Never bury the rhizome or it will rot.
• Algae on slow growth: lower the light to the low-medium range.
• Slow grower: divisions need patience even though 'Achilles' is a hardy cultivar.