Propagating Bucephalandra 'Sekadau Mini' by Rhizome Division

How to propagate the compact Bucephalandra 'Sekadau Mini', a slow Borneo rheophyte, by splitting its rhizome into rooted clumps tied or glued to hardscape.

Overview

Bucephalandra 'Sekadau Mini' is a compact, small-leaved cultivar of the genus Bucephalandra (family Araceae), rheophytic herbs known only from Borneo that form dense mats on rocks in streams and rivers. From the Sekadau river system, this variety has short internodes and tight clustered green foliage, making it a favourite for nano foreground features. It grows from a creeping rhizome and is cultivated attached to hardscape, not planted in substrate.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

This cultivar is multiplied by rhizome division, not by topping. Because 'Sekadau Mini' forms tight clumps with short internodes, look for natural bends where the rhizome has split into separate groups of leaves and cut there with clean, sharp scissors. Keep leaves and roots on every piece so each small clump can re-establish on its own.

Step-by-Step

1. Identify a healthy 'Sekadau Mini' clump and find a natural bend in the rhizome between two leaf clusters.
2. Cut the rhizome with clean, sharp scissors, leaving leaves and roots on each division.
3. Tie or glue each small piece to rock or wood with sewing thread or super glue gel, or wedge it into a crack.
4. Keep the new clump under low to moderate light and leave it undisturbed to settle.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Sekadau Mini' thrives in low to medium light; strong light tends to feed algae because growth is slow. CO2 is optional but speeds growth when added. Aim for temperatures around 22-28 C; the plant has low nutrient demands.

Maintenance

After attachment, 'Sekadau Mini' is very low maintenance. The rhizome stores nutrients, so leave clumps in place and allow new shoots to form. Its slow, compact growth means trimming is seldom required.

Common Challenges

Freshly added 'Sekadau Mini' commonly melts, losing some leaves while adapting. Keep the rhizome: as long as it remains firm and healthy it will regrow new shoots. The other recurring issues are the plant's slow pace and algae on old leaves under excessive lighting.