Description
Plant Profile
Bucephalandra ‘Red Blade’ is a compact, low-tech epiphyte prized for its narrow, slightly curly foliage with sharp, distinct tips and a subtle reddish tint that develops once adapted to life underwater. Standing at 1 to 2.5 inches tall, this nano-sized species is uniquely suited for fine detailing, making it a perfect fit for tucking into tight hardscape crevices, wedging between stones, or carpeting the immediate foreground of freshwater aquascapes. Adaptable to both submerged aquariums and high-humidity emersed environments, its rhizomes attach readily to wood or rock, yielding a low-maintenance, textured accent for planted tanks.
Key Features & Notes
The pointed tips and ruffled leaf margins offer a rugged, aggressive texture that contrasts beautifully with rounder Buce varieties.
Under stable conditions and quality LED lighting, the leaves transition from simple greens to a warm, reddish-maroon hue.
This is one of the most durable species in the hobby and thrives in shaded areas. It is an ideal choice for planted tanks where other plants might struggle.
Care & Planting Instructions
Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
Bucephalandra is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe glue or thread; never bury the horizontal rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt.
Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting because unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens.
While this plant is hardy and low-maintenance in standard low-light aquarium plant setups, CO2 injection and regular liquid fertilizing will yield much faster growth and richer color development.
Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Bucephalandra sp. ‘Red Blade’
Common Name(s)
Buce Red Blade, Red Blade Pot
Family
Araceae
Plant Type
Epiphyte (Rhizome)
Care Difficulty
Beginner / Easy (Low-Tech Compatible)
Light Requirement
Low to Medium
CO2 Requirement
Not Required (Accelerates growth & color density)
Placement / Usage
Foreground Detail, Nano Accents, Hardscape Crevices
Height / Size
1″–2.5″ (2.5–6.0 cm)
Growth Rate
Slow
Water Parameters
pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 68°F–80°F (20°C–26°C)
Propagation Method
Rhizome Division (Separate with sharp shears)
Origin
Borneo (Endemic / Farm Cultivated)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my Bucephalandra melting?
Bucephalandra melt can occur after changes in water chemistry, temperature, or lighting. If the rhizome remains firm, keep it attached to hardscape while the plant acclimates and produces new submerged growth.
2. Can I plant Bucephalandra in substrate?
Bucephalandra is an epiphyte, so never bury its rhizome in substrate. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed.
3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Red Blade’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Red Blade’ is a beginner-friendly, low-light aquarium plant that grows without specialized substrate or pressurized CO₂, making it well suited for low-tech planted aquariums.
