Propagating Bucephalandra catherineae 'Bicolor'

How to propagate the two-tone Bucephalandra catherineae 'Bicolor' by rhizome division, anchoring leafed-and-rooted pieces to hardscape without burying the rhizome.

Overview

Bucephalandra catherineae 'Bicolor' is a selection of the Bornean species B. catherineae, part of the slow-growing rheophyte genus Bucephalandra in the family Araceae. In the wild these aroids grow as dense mats over stones and rocks in streams and rivers, anchoring with a creeping, rooting rhizome rather than rooting into soil. This bicolored form shows a dark olive upper leaf and a reddish-purple underside that flashes when the leaves curl in the current.

Because the genus is slow and spreads via a creeping rhizome, 'Bicolor' is multiplied by dividing that rhizome, not by cutting and replanting stem tops.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

'Bicolor' is propagated by dividing the rhizome — the horizontal stem that carries leaves and roots. Each division needs healthy leaves and roots so it can re-attach and continue growing. New plantlets occasionally appear on leaf edges and can be removed once they have rooted.

Step-by-Step

Select a mature plant with several leaves and a firm, visible rhizome.
Lift it gently from the hardscape and rinse off debris.
Cut the rhizome into pieces, each keeping a few leaves and some roots.
Tie each piece to wood or rock with cotton thread or fishing line, or fix it with a small dab of cyanoacrylate glue gel.
Place the divisions where flow is good and keep the rhizome fully exposed.
Wait while new two-tone leaves form slowly over the following weeks.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Bicolor' has flexible, low-to-medium light needs and grows in shade or full light; CO2 is not required but speeds growth. Bucephalandra melts less in cooler water but tolerates temperatures up to discus levels (above 27 C / 80 F). It needs a stable, clean, well-filtered environment, so add divisions only after the tank has matured.

Maintenance

Once attached, 'Bicolor' needs little care. Remove melted or dying leaves so they do not pollute the water, keep flow across the foliage, and let new growth anchor with fresh roots. A bare but healthy rhizome will still produce new leaves when fixed to rock or wood.

Common Challenges

Buce melt: freshly added plants often melt back, then the rhizome regrows leaves if it stays firm — add only to a stable, mature tank.
Never bury the rhizome, or it rots.
Very slow growth requires patience; no visible growth does not mean the plant has failed.
Algae builds on old leaves of slow growers — improve flow and avoid excess light to protect the two-tone colouration.