Bucephalandra Godzilla care guide
Bucephalandra Godzilla (Bucephalandra sp. 'Godzilla') — medium light, 22-27 °C, pH 5.5-7, no CO2.
Overview
Bucephalandra Godzilla (Bucephalandra sp. 'Godzilla') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Rare collector buce known for thick, heavily textured leaves with a reptilian appearance. Very slow grower demanding stable, soft water; commands high prices among aquascapers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Bucephalandra
- Scientific name: Bucephalandra sp. 'Godzilla'
- Common synonyms: Buce Godzilla
Habitat
Bucephalandra is a genus of rheophytic aroids endemic to Borneo, where the plants cling to rocks in fast-flowing, shaded, soft-water rainforest streams. Many local forms have been collected by aquarists in recent decades. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Borneo.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: low
- Recommended placement: epiphyte on wood or rock
Placement
In aquascapes this plant grows as an epiphyte on wood or rock. It is attached to wood or rock with thread or cyanoacrylate gel; like Anubias, the rhizome must not be buried. Stable, gentle flow promotes dense compact growth.
Propagation
This species is multiplied by rhizome division and lateral shoots; detached pieces with one or two leaves and a root tuft re-attach reliably to new hardscape.
Common issues
Sudden environmental changes can trigger a stress response known as melt, in which leaves dissolve while the rhizome remains viable and re-leafs over weeks; slow acclimation and stable parameters prevent it.