Plant Profile Common Name: Bucephalandra Black Pearl Buce ‘Black Pearl’ is a low-tech, beginner-friendly aquarium plant featuring iridescent leaves that are oblong in shape with a distinct raised center vein. This variety exhibits its most profound, dark coloration and pearl-like speckles when provided with proper care and high-quality LED lighting. Highly versatile, it can be grown submerged or emersed, usually attached to hardscape such as driftwood or rocks rather than being buried in traditional aquarium substrate. Black Pearl is a fantastic choice for the foreground of freshwater aquascapes, where it will slowly sprout from its rhizome to create a dense, shimmering colony that adds immense detail to any planted tank. Key Features & Notes The "Black Pearl" name comes from the plant's ability to develop dark, moody tones covered in tiny, reflective white dots that shimmer under water. The unique structural leaf texture provides a rugged, 3D appearance that contrasts beautifully with smoother-leaved Buce variants. 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. It is perfectly at home fully submerged in an aquarium or emersed in a high-humidity terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium. Care Tips & Preparation Bucephalandra is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood. Never bury the rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and clear away all rockwool from the roots. For a deep dive on prepping potted plants, click here. Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting. Unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens. While this plant is hardy and low-maintenance, CO2 injection will yield much faster growth. We recommend researching your specific water chemistry to ensure your plant thrives. Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions. Please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary. Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives. Additional Information Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Family Name: AraceaeOrigin: Borneo (Endemic)Skill Level: EasyGrowth Rate: SlowLight: Low to MediumCO2: Not necessary but recommendedpH Range: 6.0 – 7.5Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors
