Borneo (trade clone, species and collection site unknown)
Overview
Bucephalandra Black Pearl is a nano plant, usually under 7.5 cm tall, for the foreground, small tanks and cracks in rockwork. It is one of the easy Buce.
Did you know
Black Pearl is named for the tiny reflective white dots on its dark leaves, Buce Plant says. The specks shimmer against the near-black leaf once the plant grows underwater.
Caring for Bucephalandra Black Pearl
Push the rhizome into a gap between rocks or glue it to decor, keeping it uncovered. A buried rhizome rots.
Black Pearl wants low to medium light, about 10 to 35 PAR, and CO2 is optional. Its darkest color and brightest specks come with good LED lighting and stable water. It takes nutrients through its roots and from the water. If leaves yellow or brown, test nitrate and fertilize toward 20 to 50 ppm. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming. Trim melting leaves at the base without cutting the rhizome. Divide the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each to make new plants.
Good to know
Black Pearl is a Bucephalandra trade clone in the aroid family, Araceae, with leaves only 1 to 2 cm long. The leaves are oblong to rounded, with smooth edges and a raised midrib. Their color runs from very dark green to almost black-red. Deep Purple is the closest match, and Buce Plant lists the two as separate plants.
In the wild
Black Pearl is sold as farm-raised stock at Aquarium Co-op, and its species and wild origin are unknown. Bucephalandra grow wild only on Borneo, held to stones by wiry roots in rivers that rise and fall with the rains. Most wild Bucephalandra grow in shade under the forest canopy. Borneo averages about 32°C by day and 23°C at night, with humidity near 80 percent.
Common questions
Does Bucephalandra Black Pearl need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Bucephalandra Black Pearl grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.
Does Bucephalandra Black Pearl need CO2?
No, but it helps. Bucephalandra Black Pearl can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Bucephalandra Black Pearl need?
Bucephalandra Black Pearl is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Bucephalandra Black Pearl need root tabs?
No. Bucephalandra Black Pearl feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.
How do you propagate Bucephalandra Black Pearl?
Bucephalandra Black Pearl propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.
How tall does Bucephalandra Black Pearl grow?
Bucephalandra Black Pearl grows to about 2.8 in (7 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.
Low lightEpiphyte2.4 in (6 cm)
Low lightEpiphyte2.4 in (6 cm)
Low lightEpiphyte3.9 in (10 cm)