Bucephalandra Dark Emerald

🌿 Species Profile

• Common Name: Dark Emerald Buce
• Scientific Name: Bucephalandra ‘Dark Emerald’
• Plant Type: Rhizome epiphyte
• Origin: Borneo (cultivated aquarium form)
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Placement: Foreground / midground (on rocks or wood)

🌱 Appearance

• Compact clumping growth
• Leaves are:
  • Deep emerald green
  • Slightly glossy with a soft shimmer under light
  • Usually thicker and sturdier than lighter Buce types
• Size:
  • Height: 4–10 cm (1.5–4 in)
  • Width: tight, slowly spreading clumps

It gives a rich, forest-green “jewel plant” look.

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to medium
• Lighting: Low to medium (too much light may cause algae spots)
• CO₂: Not required but improves growth and leaf quality

🌿 Planting Method

• Must NOT bury rhizome
• Attach to:
  • Driftwood
  • Lava rock
  • Hardscape structures
• Use thread or aquarium-safe glue

🌿 Feeding & Care

• Absorbs nutrients from water column
• Benefits from:
  • Mild liquid fertilizers
  • Stable water conditions
• Very slow grower but long-lived once established

Care tips:

• Avoid sudden parameter changes
• Clean gently if algae forms on leaves
• Keep stable lighting for best color

🌱 Propagation

• Slow:
  • Rhizome division
  • New shoots develop gradually from base

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Natural aquascapes
• Dark green accent zones
• Driftwood and rock detailing

Compatible with:

• Shrimp
• Small peaceful fish
• Nano community tanks