Plant Profile Common Name: Bucephalandra Velvet Buce ‘Velvet’ is a low-tech, beginner-friendly aquarium plant featuring leaves that shift from a light brown-red when young to a deep, luxurious brownish-green as they mature. This farm-grown variety is highly prized for its dense growth habit and its ability to adapt to a wide range of water parameters with ease. 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 or midground in a planted tank, gradually extending from slender rhizomes to create a lush, vibrant colony over time. Key Features & Notes Cultivated in a nursery setting, this variant offers a reliable and eco-friendly way to add the beauty of Borneo’s flora to your tank. The name reflects the soft, deep color saturation of the mature leaves, which provide a moody, sophisticated look under aquarium LEDs. 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 – 8.0Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors
