Bucephalandra Red Dagger Bucephalandra Red Dagger is a dynamic variety featuring narrow leaves with reddish tones and sharp, pointed leaf tips that give each leaf a bold, graphic quality — the dagger reference in the name capturing both the pointed form and the warmth of the red coloration. This variety is notably faster-growing under higher light conditions, making Red Dagger a more active and visually developing Bucephalandra than the majority of the genus. Planting tip: Bucephalandra Red Dagger can be planted with the rhizome resting at the substrate surface, or attached to driftwood, rock, or other hardscape at any position in the aquarium. Never fully bury the rhizome under substrate, as this will cause rot. If attaching to hardscape, use cotton thread or aquarium-safe adhesive to secure it, and the plant will anchor itself naturally over time. As a Bornean species from Indonesia, Red Dagger can be planted with the rhizome resting at the substrate surface or attached to hardscape at any position in the aquarium. Never fully bury the rhizome. This easy-care variety grows well in medium lighting with optional CO₂ supplementation. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.4 provide ideal conditions. Like all Bucephalandra, Red Dagger can produce small, delicate white flowers both underwater and above the waterline. Growing to 2 to 3 inches, Red Dagger is suited to foreground to midground placement on hardscape. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and maintains the reddish tones in the narrow, pointed leaves. Providing medium to moderate-high lighting brings out both the fastest growth and the richest red expression in the foliage. In the aquascape, Bucephalandra Red Dagger creates sharp, pointed lines in the foreground or on hardscape — its narrow, pointed leaves providing a graphic, angular contrast to rounder-leaved plants and smooth-surfaced stones. The reddish tones add warm color contrast, and the relatively faster growth rate means the aquascape develops more dynamically than with slower Bucephalandra varieties. Bucephalandra Red Dagger is a bold, fast-developing variety for aquarists who want reddish color and pointed leaf form in a reliable, hardscape-compatible foreground plant. Sharp, warm, and more dynamic than most Bucephalandra. Care & Specifications Difficulty Easy Placement Foreground to Midground Max Height 2–3 inches Light Level Moderate Temperature 72–82°F pH 6.0–7.4 CO2 Needs Optional Origin Indonesia Notes Narrow-leaved form with reddish tones and sharp leaf tips. Fast grower under higher light.
