Bucephalandra Apple Leaf

🌿 Species Profile

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

🌱 Appearance

• Small clumping plant with rounded to oval leaves
• Color:
  • Bright apple green
  • Sometimes slightly darker green in low light
• Leaf texture is smooth with gentle waviness
• Size:
  • Height: 5–12 cm (2–5 in)
  • Width: compact clumps

It gives a fresh, bright “apple-green glow” in aquascapes.

🧪 Tank Requirements

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

🌿 Planting Method

• Must NOT bury rhizome
• Attach to:
  • Driftwood
  • Lava rock
  • Hardscape decorations
• Can be fixed with thread or aquarium-safe glue

🌿 Feeding & Care

• Absorbs nutrients from water column
• Benefits from:
  • Mild liquid fertilizers
  • Stable water conditions
• Very low maintenance overall

Care tips:

• Avoid strong direct lighting
• Remove old leaves slowly at base
• Keep water parameters stable

🌱 Propagation

• Slow but simple:
  • Rhizome division
  • New shoots grow from base over time

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Nano aquascapes
• Driftwood accent planting
• Green contrast in detailed layouts

Compatible with:

• Shrimp
• Small rasboras and tetras
• Peaceful community fish