Propagating Bucephalandra 'Pinkish' by Rhizome Division

A practical guide to multiplying the rare, soft-pink 'Pinkish' Bucephalandra cultivar by dividing its slow-growing rhizome and attaching the pieces to wood or rock.

Overview

Bucephalandra 'Pinkish' is a rare cultivar that shows soft pink hues on its new growth under stronger lighting - one of the few genuinely pink-toned forms of the genus. It stays small enough for the foreground or midground of planted layouts.

As a Bucephalandra it is a rheophytic herb endemic to Borneo, where the genus grows as dense mats over stones and rocks in forest streams and rivers. It is a slow grower, so every division is precious and worth handling carefully.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

'Pinkish' multiplies from its creeping, rooting rhizome, not from stem cuttings. You propagate it by dividing that rhizome into pieces that each carry leaves and roots, then fixing the divisions to hardscape.

Keep several healthy leaves and a root tuft on every division.
Cut at natural bends where separate clumps of foliage have formed.
The rhizome stores the plant's nutrients, so a leafless piece can still recover.

Step-by-Step

Remove the parent plant and rinse debris off the rhizome.
Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the rhizome into two pieces at natural bends between clumps.
Confirm each piece has both leaves and roots.
Wedge a division into a rock crevice, or tie or glue it to wood or stone with thread or super-glue gel.
Place the divisions back in the tank and leave them undisturbed to re-root.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Pinkish' is comfortable at 22-28 C, pH 6-7.5 and soft-to-medium hardness. It needs little fertilizer and no CO2 and can grow attached without substrate, though somewhat brighter, medium light is what coaxes out the signature pink tones on new leaves.

Maintenance

Keep care light: trim away melted or algae-covered leaves, maintain gentle flow across the plant, and leave new divisions in place until they have anchored with fresh roots.

Common Challenges

Because growth is slow and the pink color demands more light, this cultivar walks a fine line between good coloration and algae. Stable lighting, good flow and patience keep it on the right side.