Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet' Care Guide
Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet' is a slow-growing epiphytic aroid from Borneo, attached to rock or wood and kept under low light without CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet' is an aquarium cultivar of the genus Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra belindae 'Velvet'), a creeping aroid in the family Araceae. Like other members of the genus it is a rooting rhizomatous herb whose leaves vary in shape and colour; this form is grown for its broad, green foliage. The genus contains 32 accepted species, all native to Borneo.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Bucephalandra (Schott, 1858)
- Scientific name: Bucephalandra belindae 'Velvet'
- Species: Bucephalandra belindae S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Habitat
In the wild Bucephalandra are rheophytes that grow as dense mats over stones and rocks in streams and rivers of moist tropical forest, attaching to the substrate by their roots. All formally described Bucephalandra species are endemic to the island of Borneo. Bucephalandra belindae is recorded from Borneo (Kalimantan). This cultivar is associated with collections from Borneo. Plants can grow emersed along the water's edge and submerged when flooded.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Maximum height: about 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
Appearance
Within the genus, leaf shape ranges from elliptic and oblong to linear, and colour from dark blue-green to green, often with white, yellow or red tinges or spots. Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet' is selected for its green colouration on broad leaves, reaching roughly 10 cm in height. New leaves often differ in tone from mature foliage, a common trait among Bucephalandra cultivars.
Placement and care
Bucephalandra is an epiphyte: the rhizome must stay above the substrate and be attached to rock or driftwood with thread or super-glue gel, while only the roots may be buried. Burying the rhizome can cause it to rot. It is grown as a colourful alternative to Anubias and tolerates low lighting; CO2 is not necessary, although it can improve growth and colour. The 2Hr Aquarist reports high success keeping Bucephalandra under subdued lighting, below about 50 umols PAR. Growth is very slow, and a comprehensive liquid fertiliser supports healthy foliage.
Propagation
Propagation is by dividing the rhizome: cut it into pieces, each bearing leaves and roots, with clean sharp scissors at natural bends. Newly imported or relocated plants commonly shed older leaves ("melt") while adapting; new submersed leaves then emerge from the healthy rhizome. Because they are slow growers sensitive to ammonia, Bucephalandra should be added only to fully cycled aquariums.
Propagating Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet': Rhizome Division Guide
Overview
Bucephalandra 'Belindae Velvet' is a selection of B. belindae prized for its soft satin-textured, dark green leaves. Like the whole genus Bucephalandra, it is a rheophytic herb endemic to Borneo, where the plants grow as 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 hard surfaces rather than rooting into open substrate. Because of this growth habit, propagation is done by dividing the rhizome rather than by topping or cuttings.
Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)
Bucephalandra is propagated easily by dividing the rhizome. Each division must keep its own leaves and roots so it can continue growing as an independent plant. The best place to cut is at a natural bend where separate clumps of foliage have formed.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a healthy 'Belindae Velvet' clump with several leaves and visible roots.
- With clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome into pieces at a natural bend, leaving leaves and roots on each piece.
- Attach each division to a rock or piece of driftwood using sewing thread or super glue gel, or wedge it into a crack in a rock.
- Keep the rhizome exposed and let the roots find the surface; the divisions grow on as separate plants.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
This plant thrives in low to medium lighting. Higher light can invite algae because the plant grows so slowly. Adding CO2 is not necessary but can help speed up growth. Suitable water is roughly 21-28 C (70-82 F) with a pH around 6-8.
Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal. The rhizome stores nutrients, so healthy plants keep pushing out new shoots on their own. An all-in-one liquid fertiliser supports steady growth, and gentle flow over the leaves helps keep the velvet surface clean.
Common Challenges
The most common issue is buce melt: after introduction, leaves may melt while the plant adjusts to its new, submersed environment, because farm-grown stock is usually grown emersed. Do not remove the rhizome; if it is healthy it will store nutrients and grow new shoots.
- Buce melt after introduction: keep the rhizome, wait for new shoots from stored nutrients.
- Never bury the rhizome or it will rot.
- Algae on slow new growth: lower the light to the low-medium range.
- Patience required: this is a very slow grower, so divisions take time to establish.