Propagating Bucephalandra 'Godzilla': Rhizome Division Guide

How to propagate the rare, very slow-growing Bucephalandra 'Godzilla' by dividing its rhizome and attaching pieces to hardscape without ever burying the rhizome.

Overview

Bucephalandra is a genus of flowering aquatic plants in the family Araceae, with all described species recorded only from Borneo. In nature these rheophytes grow as dense mats over stones and rocks in streams and rivers within moist tropical forest. The 'Godzilla' cultivar is a famously slow-growing, expensive collector form prized for its thick, heavily textured, reptilian leaves.

Because Bucephalandra is an epiphyte that anchors to surfaces by a creeping, rooting rhizome rather than rooting into substrate, it is propagated vegetatively by dividing that rhizome. The genus is well known for its slow growth rate, so 'Godzilla' rewards patience above all.

Propagation Method: Rhizome Division

Bucephalandra is propagated by cutting the rhizome into pieces, ideally at natural bends where clumps of foliage form separately. Each division should carry several healthy leaves and roots so it can re-anchor and resume growth on its own.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a mature plant with multiple leaf clumps and visible roots along the rhizome.
2. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome into pieces at natural bends, leaving several leaves and roots on each piece.
3. Attach each division to rock or wood with sewing thread or super glue gel, using only a small amount of adhesive.
4. Position pieces so the rhizome stays exposed to the water and is never covered by substrate.
5. Leave the divisions undisturbed and allow new shoots to emerge slowly over the following weeks.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Godzilla' tolerates low to medium lighting; because growth is so slow, stronger light tends to encourage algae on the leaves rather than faster growth. CO2 injection is not necessary, though it can improve growth rates. Stable, soft water suits this demanding cultivar best.

Maintenance

Maintenance is minimal. Remove any fully decayed leaves, keep the rhizome free of sediment and algae, and resist the urge to move or replant pieces, since frequent disturbance sets back an already slow grower.

Common Challenges

Newly introduced or freshly divided plants often melt, losing leaves as they adjust to submersion. As long as the rhizome stays firm and healthy, leave it in the tank and it will push out new shoots. The main difficulties are the cultivar's extreme slowness and its sensitivity to a buried or rotting rhizome.