Bucephalandra sp. "Bronze Tricolor"

This Bucephalandra was supplied by an Indonesian nursery under the trade name "Mini Theia". However, we call it "Bronze Tricolor" due to its particularly colourful submerged habit. While the leaves in the terrestrial form tend to be medium green in colour, the colour nuances of the submerged plant range from bronze brown to purple and bluish to green. In addition to its colourful appearance, Bucephalandra "Bronze Tricolor" also has a slightly shiny metallic effect on the leaves.
The exact location and species affiliation of this Bucephalandra form are unknown to us. However, all Bucephalandras originate from the island of Borneo, where they occur as plants adapted to strong current (rheophytes) on rocks in the flood zone of streams. Bucephalandra sp. "Bronze Tricolor" is a medium-sized form. The inverted-ovate, relatively soft leaves are horizontally arranged, arching and grow to about 5.5 cm long (incl. petiole) and 1.9 cm wide. The approximately 4 mm thick rhizome grows ascending to creeping and branches strongly. In our aquariums, the plant has reached a growth height of around 6 to 8 cm. Overall, it has a spreading growth habit.

Bucephalandra species and forms are primarily epiphytes on rock or wood where they attach themselves by their roots. They can also be fixed to the bottom, however the rhizome must not be buried to avoid rotting. The plant will root on its own and benefit from the nutrients in the substrate. The growth is generally slow to very slow.
Bucephalandras cope with poor light conditions, however they develop their most beautiful look with medium lighting, good water current and constant nutrient and CO₂ supply. They also tolerate strong lighting, sufficient CO₂ and nutrient supply provided. The favourable temperature range is about 20 to 27°C.

We recommend to put Bucephalandras into already cycled aquariums. It is best to leave the plants in peace so they can grow. Sudden changes of parameters may lead to shedding of leaves, normally, however, the plants regrow slowly and produce new shoots on the rhizome. Bucephalandras are easily propagated by cutting terminal and side shoots that also promotes the ramification of the plant.