Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia, collection site unpublished)
Overview
Bucephalandra Pearl Grey stands 7.5 to 15 cm tall, which is large for a Buce, so it suits the midground or background. It is easy and slow-growing. Glass Aqua also sells it for humid terrariums planted with other aroids.
Did you know
The pearly, grayish cast that gives Pearl Grey its name comes from dense shining dots on the leaf surface. Under that silvery sheen, the leaves are dark emerald green.
Caring for Bucephalandra Pearl Grey
Attach it to porous driftwood or rock, which gives the roots a good grip. The rhizome should sit in open water, since a buried rhizome rots.
It grows in low light and does well in low-tech tanks. Glass Aqua suggests good flow, CO2 and fertilizer for stronger growth. A liquid fertilizer suits it, since it feeds from the water column as well as its roots. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
Growth is slow, and the plant rarely needs trimming. To make more plants, split the rhizome of a mature clump and reattach the pieces.
Avoid sudden changes in light or water while a new plant settles. Those swings can trigger leaf melt.
Good to know
Pearl Grey is a large Bucephalandra (Araceae) of unknown species, with broad, obovate leaves on long stalks. The leaf surface is smooth and satiny, with a lightly wavy margin. Buce Plant compares its size and dark green color to Skeleton King, minus that plant's heavily ribbed texture. BucephalandraEU sells it apart from its Silver Gray and Dark Gray.
In the wild
Pearl Grey is an older Bucephalandra trade name with no published collection site. A hobbyist photo labeled Bucephalandra sp. 'Pearl Gray' was taken in June 2011. Glass Aqua gives Indonesia as its origin, which puts it in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. Buce Plant says little is known about this plant.
Common questions
Does Bucephalandra Pearl Grey need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Bucephalandra Pearl Grey 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 Pearl Grey need CO2?
No, but it helps. Bucephalandra Pearl Grey can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Bucephalandra Pearl Grey need?
Bucephalandra Pearl Grey is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Bucephalandra Pearl Grey need root tabs?
No. Bucephalandra Pearl Grey 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 Pearl Grey?
Bucephalandra Pearl Grey propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.
How tall does Bucephalandra Pearl Grey grow?
Bucephalandra Pearl Grey grows to about 5.9 in (15 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)