Bucephalandra Pearl Grey

🌿 Species Profile

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

🌱 Appearance

• Small, compact leaf clusters
• Leaves are:
  • Grey-green to silvery green
  • Often show a soft shimmer under light
• Slightly wavy or smooth-edged leaves depending on conditions
• Size:
  • Height: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
  • Spread: slow clumping growth

It gives a subtle “misty pearl” effect in aquascapes.

🧪 Tank Requirements

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

🌿 Planting Method

• Must NOT bury rhizome
• Attach to:
  • Driftwood
  • Rocks
  • Hardscape structures
• Use thread or aquarium glue

🌿 Feeding & Care

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

Care tips:

• Avoid strong direct lighting
• Remove old or melting leaves slowly
• Keep stable conditions (they dislike sudden changes)

🌱 Propagation

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

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Nano aquascapes
• Driftwood accent plants
• High-detail “collector” layouts

Compatible with:

• Shrimp (excellent choice)
• Small peaceful fish
• Nano community tanks