Bucephalandra Hades

🌿 Species Profile

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

🌱 Appearance

• Compact clumping growth
• Leaves are:
  • Deep green, dark olive, sometimes nearly black
  • Slight blue or metallic reflection under strong light
  • Slightly wavy edges
• Size:
  • Height: 3–8 cm (1–3 in)
  • Width: tight clusters

It creates a strong “dark jewel” contrast effect.

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to medium
• Lighting: Low to medium (high light can cause algae growth)
• 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 parameters
• Very slow grower but stable once established

Care tips:

• Avoid sudden changes in lighting or water chemistry
• Remove old leaves carefully
• Keep algae under control (dark leaves can attract algae spots)

🌱 Propagation

• Very slow:
  • Rhizome division
  • New shoots develop gradually from base

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Dark contrast aquascapes
• Nano tank focal points
• Hardscape detailing on driftwood/rocks

Compatible with:

• Shrimp
• Small peaceful fish
• Nano community setups