Propagating Bucephalandra catherineae by Rhizome Division

How to propagate Bucephalandra catherineae, a Borneo rheophyte species, by dividing the rhizome, fixing divisions to hardscape, and managing melt during establishment.

Overview

Bucephalandra catherineae is a true species within the genus Bucephalandra (family Araceae). Like all described species in the genus, it is recorded only from Borneo, where these plants are rheophytic herbs forming dense mats over stones in streams and rivers. Bucephalandra are slow growing, hardy, and particularly suited to growing on hardscape such as rock or wood; they can be grown on substrate as well, provided the rhizome is not buried.

Propagation focuses on producing healthy divisions that re-establish on hardscape and continue the slow, steady spread typical of the species.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Bucephalandra catherineae is propagated by dividing the rhizome. When breaking up a clump, individual rhizome pieces should be no shorter than about 1.5 inches (shorter is acceptable only for very small species). Bare rhizome will produce new leaves provided it is healthy and growing well when stuck to a rock or wood surface.

• Divide only healthy, well-growing clumps.
• Keep at least ~1.5 inches of rhizome per piece, with leaves and roots if present.
• Attach divisions to rock or wood — never bury the rhizome.

Step-by-Step

1. Detach the clump from the hardscape and rinse off debris.
2. Cut the rhizome with clean, sharp scissors into pieces of at least ~1.5 inches, keeping leaves and roots on each where possible.
3. Fix each piece to rock or driftwood with thread, a zip tie, or gel superglue applied to the rhizome and pressed against the hardscape.
4. Return divisions to clean, well-filtered water with good flow in a mature tank.
5. Leave undisturbed; healthy bare rhizome will push out new leaves over the following weeks.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

The species prefers clean, well-filtered water with good flow and slightly cooler temperatures, around 71–79 °F (about 22–26 °C); cooler water means less stress and melting, though it tolerates discus temperatures above 80 °F. It survives in planted tanks without CO2 injection or heavy fertilisation, but reaches fuller potential with good flow and CO2. Lower light suits it best.

• Light: low to moderate.
• Temperature: cooler (~71–79 °F) reduces melt; tolerates warmer.
• CO2: not required; beneficial for fuller growth.
• Placement: epiphyte on rock or wood, rhizome exposed.

Maintenance

Maintain clean, well-filtered water and good circulation, and keep temperatures on the cooler side to minimise stress on this slow grower. Remove any decayed leaves and let the rhizome creep across the hardscape at its own pace; divide again only once the clump is large enough to spare healthy rhizome.

Common Challenges

As a slow grower, B. catherineae experiences less stress and fewer melting problems in cooler, clean, well-filtered water with good flow. Reducing stress at planting is the key to a smooth establishment.