Plant Profile Common Name: Bucephalandra Kir Royale Buce ‘Kir Royale’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant featuring generally round, green leaves with newer growth that often displays a subtle golden, copper-red tone. This variety is highly prized for its underwater transformation, where the foliage can develop deep hues of purple and blue accented by small, shimmering white speckles. It thrives submerged or emersed and prefers to be mounted on driftwood or rock rather than buried in substrate. Kir Royale is an exquisite choice for the foreground or midground of freshwater aquascapes, slowly sprouting from thin rhizomes to create a dense, colorful colony that provides a jeweled look within a planted tank. Key Features & Notes The contrast between the new leaves and the mature, purple-tinted foliage creates a vibrant "Kir Royale" cocktail effect in your layout. Under stable conditions and quality LED lighting, the leaves show tiny "stomata" dots that catch the light like stars. 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. This flexibility makes it a favorite for diverse planted tanks. 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. 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: MediumCO2: Not necessary but recommendedpH Range: 6.0 – 7.5Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors
