Bucephalandra Velvet care guide
Bucephalandra Velvet (Bucephalandra sp. 'Velvet') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Bucephalandra Velvet (Bucephalandra sp. 'Velvet') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Buce variant with dark, velvety green leaves and an iridescent sheen under good light. Slow growing and undemanding once established; pairs well with mosses and ferns on hardscape.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Bucephalandra
- Scientific name: Bucephalandra sp. 'Velvet'
- Common synonyms: Buce Velvet
Habitat
Bucephalandra is a genus of rheophytic aroids endemic to Borneo, where the plants cling to rocks in fast-flowing, shaded, soft-water rainforest streams. Many local forms have been collected by aquarists in recent decades. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Borneo.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: low
- Recommended placement: epiphyte on wood or rock
Placement
In aquascapes this plant grows as an epiphyte on wood or rock. It is attached to wood or rock with thread or cyanoacrylate gel; like Anubias, the rhizome must not be buried. Stable, gentle flow promotes dense compact growth.
Propagation
This species is multiplied by rhizome division and lateral shoots; detached pieces with one or two leaves and a root tuft re-attach reliably to new hardscape.
Common issues
Sudden environmental changes can trigger a stress response known as melt, in which leaves dissolve while the rhizome remains viable and re-leafs over weeks; slow acclimation and stable parameters prevent it.