Bucephalandra Velvet is an easy, slow-growing Buce that lives on rock and wood rather than in the substrate.
Did you know
Bucephalandra reproduces slowly and stays localized in Borneo's streams, so many trade forms are named after a single collection site. Much of the plant in the hobby now comes from tissue culture rather than wild harvest.
Caring for Bucephalandra Velvet
Attach the rhizome to hardscape and leave it exposed. A buried rhizome rots.
Bucephalandra Velvet is undemanding in low light without CO2. Strong flow, added CO2 and steady parameters bring out the richest color. Dose a liquid fertilizer rather than root tabs, since it takes nutrients from the water as well as through its roots. It handles water from 70 to 82°F (21 to 28°C).
It grows slowly and seldom needs trimming. Divide the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each to propagate. Steady water also reduces leaf melt after planting.
Good to know
Velvet is a horticultural selection rather than a described species, so it carries a trade name instead of a scientific epithet. It is named for its soft, velvety-textured leaves, which start light brown-red and mature to a deep brownish green. Bucephalandra belongs to the arum family (Araceae), and every described member of the genus is endemic to Borneo.
In the wild
Bucephalandra Velvet is a trade form from the shaded, fast-flowing streams of Borneo. There the genus grows attached to rock as a rheophyte. In nature these plants form dense mats over stones kept wet by splashing current.
Common questions
Does Bucephalandra Velvet need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Bucephalandra Velvet 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 Velvet need CO2?
No, but it helps. Bucephalandra Velvet can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Bucephalandra Velvet need?
Bucephalandra Velvet is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Bucephalandra Velvet need root tabs?
No. Bucephalandra Velvet 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 Velvet?
Bucephalandra Velvet propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.
How tall does Bucephalandra Velvet grow?
Bucephalandra Velvet grows to about 3.9 in (10 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)