Plant Profile Buce ‘Mini Dark Needle’ is a low-tech, small aquarium plant featuring slender, dark green leaves and striking reddish sheaths on its stems. This variety is highly prized for its needle-like foliage and its ability to adapt to a wide range of water parameters while maintaining a very compact profile. As an epiphyte, it prefers to latch onto wood or stone, whether it’s grown emersed or underwater. It's a beautiful addition to the foreground of a planted tank, where it will slowly sprout from its central rhizome to create a dense, textured colony. Key Features & Notes The thin, pointed leaves provide a unique fine-leaf texture that is perfect for adding intricate detail to small-scale hardscape. The contrast between the deep green leaves and the reddish sheaths adds a subtle but sophisticated pop of color to your planted tank. 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. Care & Planting Instructions Bucephalandra is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe glue or thread; never bury the horizontal rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt. Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting because unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens. While this plant is hardy and low-maintenance in standard low-light aquarium plant setups, CO2 injection and regular liquid fertilizing will yield much faster growth and richer iridescence. Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Bucephalandra sp. 'Mini Dark Needle' Common Name(s) Buce Mini Dark Needle, Mini Dark Needle Family Araceae Plant Type Epiphyte (Rhizome) Care Difficulty Beginner / Easy (Low-Tech Compatible) Light Requirement Low to Medium CO2 Requirement Not Required (Accelerates growth & color density) Placement / Usage Foreground Detail, Nano Accents, Fine Texture Accent Height / Size 1"–2" (2.5–5.0 cm) Growth Rate Slow Water Parameters pH 6.0–8.0 | Temperature 68°F–80°F (20°C–26°C) Propagation Method Rhizome Division (Separate with sharp shears) Origin Borneo (Endemic) Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why is my Bucephalandra melting? Bucephalandra melt can occur after changes in water chemistry, temperature, or lighting. If the rhizome remains firm, keep it attached to hardscape while the plant acclimates and produces new submerged growth. 2. Can I plant Bucephalandra in substrate? Bucephalandra is an epiphyte, so never bury its rhizome in substrate. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed. 3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Mini Dark Needle’ beginner-friendly? Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Mini Dark Needle’ is a beginner-friendly, low-light aquarium plant that grows without specialized substrate or pressurized CO₂, making it well suited for low-tech planted aquariums.
