Bucephalandra 'Brownie Phantom 2018' Care Guide
Bucephalandra 'Brownie Phantom 2018' is a reselected Borneo aroid (Araceae) with deep purple-brown leaves, a slow collector's epiphyte for shaded hardscape.
Overview
Bucephalandra 'Brownie Phantom 2018' is a 2018 reselection of the Brownie Phantom cultivar with deeper purple-brown coloration and a reduced leaf size. It is valued by collectors for its rich tones and is grown as an epiphyte attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Bucephalandra
- Scientific name: Bucephalandra sp. 'Brownie Phantom 2018'
Habitat
The genus Bucephalandra is endemic to Borneo, where the plants grow as rheophytic herbs forming dense mats over stones and rocks in streams and rivers within moist tropical forest. Stems are creeping and rooting.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Maximum height: about 8 cm
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Placement: epiphyte (on rock or wood)
Growth and care
Growth is slow. The plant grows in low to medium light; added CO2 is not necessary but can speed up growth and improve coloration. The rhizome must not be buried, as covering it can cause rot, so the plant is attached to rock or driftwood with thread or aquarium-safe glue. Leaves may melt after transfer from emersed culture, but new growth emerges from the rhizome.
Propagation
Propagation is by dividing the rhizome with sharp scissors at natural bends, then attaching the new piece to hardscape.