Description
Plant Profile
Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sekadau Bukit Betung’ is a rare gem celebrated for its deep green foliage and elegant leaf structure. It features leaves with a slight waviness along the margins, creating a sophisticated texture that captures water movement beautifully. Under good lighting, its foliage can display varied iridescent hues of blue, purple, and bronze. 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.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Notes
When given proper care and full-spectrum LED lighting, the dark mature foliage shifts to reveal deep metallic purples, blues, and warm bronze tones.
The subtle, fluid ripples along the edges of the leaves provide an organic, textured appearance that softens harsh hardscape lines.
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. ‘Sekadau Bukit Betung’
Common Name(s)
Buce Sekadau Bukit Betung, Sekadau Bukit Betung
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
Midground Focal Point, Hardscape Crevices, Foreground Detail
Height / Size
2″–4″ (5.0–10.0 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 (Sekadau Region)
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 sp. ‘Sekadau Bukit Betung’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sekadau Bukit Betung’ 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.
