Bucephalandra Kedagang is a compact, restrained Buce. It suits midground rock and wood detail or a nano tank, and it is easy to grow.
Did you know
The narrow leaves of submersed Kedagang flash a blue to purple metallic shimmer under the right light. That iridescence comes from the leaf surface structure, not pigment, and it largely disappears on plants grown emersed above water.
Caring for Bucephalandra Kedagang
Glue or thread the rhizome onto rock or wood. Keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried one rots.
Bucephalandra Kedagang tolerates a wide light range, but it stays darkest and most compact under low light without CO2. CO2 plus regular liquid fertilizer brings out the blue iridescence and a few more new leaves. It draws nutrients from the water column as well as its roots, so liquid feeding beats root tabs.
Growth is slow, and it rarely needs a trim. Divide the rhizome to make new plants.
Avoid blasting it with light, or you will fight algae on the slow leaves. Keep the water stable at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Big swings in pH or temperature, such as from a cold water change, can trigger leaf melt.
Good to know
Kedagang is a trade name taken from the Kedagang area. Tropica sells it as Bucephalandra diabolica 'Kedagang'. It falls under Bucephalandra, in the family Araceae, tribe Schismatoglottideae, and is often grouped with B. motleyana. It is one of the more established Buce in the hobby, and Tropica grows it as a 1-2-Grow tissue culture. The leaves are narrow and elongated, dark green with fine pale dots.
In the wild
Bucephalandra Kedagang is a trade variety named for the Kedagang area of Kalimantan on Borneo. Its parent plants grow there as rheophytes, anchored to rock and wood in fast streams. Like the rest of the genus, they sit emersed along the banks in the dry season and fully submersed when the water rises. Stock is collected and farmed from soft, slightly acidic, current-rich water.
Common questions
Does Bucephalandra Kedagang need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Bucephalandra Kedagang 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 Kedagang need CO2?
No, but it helps. Bucephalandra Kedagang can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Bucephalandra Kedagang need?
Bucephalandra Kedagang is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Bucephalandra Kedagang need root tabs?
No. Bucephalandra Kedagang 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 Kedagang?
Bucephalandra Kedagang propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.
How tall does Bucephalandra Kedagang grow?
Bucephalandra Kedagang grows to about 4.7 in (12 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.
Low lightEpiphyte3.9 in (10 cm)
Low lightEpiphyte2.4 in (6 cm)
Low lightEpiphyte2.4 in (6 cm)