Propagating Bucephalandra 'Deep Purple': Rhizome Division Guide

Step-by-step propagation of the slow-growing Bucephalandra 'Deep Purple' epiphyte by rhizome division and attaching pieces to hardscape, with the rhizome kept exposed.

Overview

Bucephalandra is a genus of flowering aquatic plants in the family Araceae, found in nature only on Borneo, where these rheophytes grow as dense mats over stones and rocks in streams and rivers. 'Deep Purple' is a selection that develops striking purple-violet hues under stronger light while remaining a low-maintenance epiphyte.

Like all Bucephalandra, it anchors to surfaces with a creeping, rooting rhizome rather than rooting into substrate, so it is propagated vegetatively by dividing the rhizome. Growth is slow, so divisions establish gradually.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Propagation means cutting the rhizome into pieces, preferably at natural bends where separate clumps of foliage form. Each piece should keep several healthy leaves and roots so it can attach and grow on its own.

Step-by-Step

1. Select a healthy plant with several leaf clumps and roots along the rhizome.
2. With clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome at natural bends, leaving several leaves and roots on each division.
3. Secure each piece to rock or wood using sewing thread or a small dab of super glue gel.
4. Place the divisions so the rhizome remains exposed and is never covered by substrate.
5. Leave them undisturbed; new shoots will appear gradually over the following weeks.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Deep Purple' tolerates low to medium lighting, and stronger light brings out its purple-violet tones; however, because growth is slow, excessive light mainly invites algae. CO2 is not required but can improve growth rates. The plant is hardy, algae-resistant and tolerated by most fish.

Maintenance

Maintenance is light: remove decayed leaves, keep the rhizome clear of sediment and algae, and avoid moving pieces unnecessarily so the slow-growing plant can establish undisturbed.

Common Challenges

Freshly introduced or divided plants commonly melt, dropping leaves as they adapt to submersion. As long as the rhizome stays firm, leave it in place and it will produce new shoots. The main challenges are slow recovery and keeping the rhizome from being buried or rotting.