Description
Plant Profile
Buce ‘Lamandau’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech miniature Bucephalandra featuring remarkably tiny leaves with iridescent hues ranging from deep pink to purple. Considered one of the smallest Buce varieties in the planted tank hobby, its petite size makes it especially useful for nano aquascapes and detailed foreground work. Like other epiphytes, it can grow submerged or emersed and prefers to attach its rhizome to driftwood or rock rather than be buried in substrate. Over time, its thin rhizomes slowly spread into compact, shimmering clusters that add plenty of color and detail without taking up much room.
Key Features & Notes
Under stable conditions and proper lighting, the tiny leaves develop a spectrum of metallic colors that catch the light beautifully.
Its exceptionally small leaf profile makes it the perfect tool for creating a sense of massive scale in nano aquascapes.
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 iridescence.
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. ‘Lamandau’
Common Name(s)
Buce Lamandau, Miniature Buce
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, Hardscape Crevices, Nano Accents
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)
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 aquasoil, sand, or gravel. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed.
3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Lamandau’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Lamandau’ 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.
