Propagating Bucephalandra 'Sangau'

How to propagate Bucephalandra 'Sangau', a wavy-leaved Borneo rhizome epiphyte, by dividing the rhizome and tying divisions onto wood or rock in low-tech tanks.

Overview

Bucephalandra 'Sangau' belongs to the genus Bucephalandra, a flowering plant in the family Araceae whose described species are recorded only from Borneo. There the plants live as rheophytic herbs over stones in streams and rivers. This locality cultivar shows elongated, wavy leaves in dark olive shades and is reliable in low-tech setups.

It is an epiphyte with a creeping, rooting rhizome that forms dense mats on hardscape instead of rooting into soil. Growth is slow, which keeps maintenance and propagation undemanding.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

Like the rest of the genus, 'Sangau' is propagated by rhizome division. You separate a section of the creeping rhizome that already bears leaves and roots so the division can establish on its own and continue growing.

• Aim for rhizome pieces longer than about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
• Each piece should hold several healthy wavy leaves and some roots.
• Even bare healthy rhizome regenerates leaves, but leafed pieces recover faster.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the parent clump and rinse the rhizome.
2. Divide the rhizome into sections over ~1.5 in long, each with leaves and roots.
3. Tie or glue each division to driftwood or rock.
4. Seat the rhizome on top of the hardscape, never beneath it.
5. Place under low light with gentle flow.
6. Allow a few weeks for roots to grip the surface naturally.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

• Light: low; this cultivar is happy in shaded, low-tech tanks.
• Temperature: 22-28 C; cooler water lessens melting and stress.
• Flow: gentle current echoes its rheophytic, flowing-water origin.
• CO2: optional, but it can encourage faster growth.
• Substrate: any type works since the plant grows on hardscape.

Maintenance

Once 'Sangau' has rooted onto wood or rock it needs little care. Trim away melted or aging leaves to keep the water clean and let the wavy olive foliage thicken at its own pace. Mature mats can be divided again to share or spread the plant.

Common Challenges

Slow growth is expected and harmless. Because the plant advances slowly, decaying melted leaves under low light can encourage algae, so keep foliage tidy and lighting modest.