Bucephalandra 'Black Pearl Sumatran' Care Guide
Bucephalandra 'Black Pearl Sumatran' is a slow-growing epiphytic aroid of the Borneo-endemic genus Bucephalandra, attached to rock or wood and kept under low light without CO2.
Overview
Bucephalandra 'Black Pearl Sumatran' is an aquarium cultivar of the genus Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra sp. 'Black Pearl Sumatran'), 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 and blackish foliage. The genus contains 32 accepted species, all native to Borneo.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Bucephalandra (Schott, 1858)
- Scientific name: Bucephalandra sp. 'Black Pearl Sumatran'
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. This form is traded under the "Sumatran" name; the scientific literature records the genus only 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 8 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 'Black Pearl Sumatran' is selected for its green and blackish colouration on broad leaves, reaching roughly 8 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.