Propagating Bucephalandra 'Melawi Black': Rhizome Division Guide

How to propagate the near-black Bucephalandra 'Melawi Black' by rhizome division, attaching divisions to hardscape and managing buce melt and slow growth.

Overview

Bucephalandra 'Melawi Black' is a cultivar from the Melawi river basin, one of the darkest forms in the genus with almost-black leaves. Across the genus Bucephalandra the leaf colour ranges from dark blue-green to green, often with white, yellow or red tinges, and all species are rheophytes endemic to Borneo, growing as mats over rocks in streams and rivers.

It is an epiphytic rhizome plant: a creeping, rooting rhizome holds the leaves and grips hard surfaces instead of rooting in open substrate. That is why it is propagated by rhizome division rather than topping or cuttings.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Bucephalandra is propagated easily by dividing the rhizome. Each piece must retain its own leaves and roots so it can keep growing on its own. The natural cut point is a bend in the rhizome where separate clumps of foliage have formed.

Step-by-Step

Select a healthy 'Melawi Black' clump with several dark leaves and visible roots.
Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome at a natural bend, keeping leaves and roots on each division.
Fasten each division to a rock or driftwood with sewing thread or super glue gel, or wedge it into a crack in a rock.
Leave the rhizome exposed; the roots attach to the surface and each piece grows on as a separate plant.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This dark cultivar does best in low to medium lighting. Strong light only encourages algae because the plant grows so slowly. CO2 is not required but can speed up growth. Aim for water around 21-28 C (70-82 F) and pH near 6-8.

Maintenance

Upkeep is light. The rhizome stores nutrients, so healthy plants keep producing new shoots without intervention. An all-in-one liquid fertiliser keeps growth steady, and gentle flow helps keep the dark leaves free of debris and algae.

Common Challenges

Buce melt is the main concern: after introduction, leaves may melt while the plant adjusts to submersed life, since farm stock is usually grown emersed. Keep the rhizome in place; if it is healthy it will draw on stored nutrients and push out new shoots.

Buce melt after introduction: keep the rhizome and wait for fresh shoots.
Never bury the rhizome or it will rot.
Algae on slow growth: reduce lighting to the low-medium range.
Slow grower: expect divisions to take time before showing the deep black colour.