Bucephalandra Brownie Athena

Common Name: Bucephalandra Brownie Athena

Buce ‘Brownie Athena’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant with compact, oval-shaped leaves with textured edges and a rich, deep brown coloration that stands out against typical greenery in a planted tank. It can be grown submerged or immersed, usually attached to hardscape, such as driftwood or rocks rather than being buried in traditional aquarium substrate. This variety is an exquisite choice for the foreground or midground of freshwater aquascapes, slowly sprouting from thin rhizomes to reveal a brilliant iridescent sheen when placed under high-quality LED lighting.

Key Features & Notes

• Under stable conditions and proper lighting, the leaves develop a metallic shimmer that is highly sought after by collectors.
• The dark brown and copper tones offer a striking visual contrast, creating a sophisticated mood within your layout.
• This is one of the most durable aquarium plants in the hobby and thrives in shaded areas. It is an ideal choice for tanks where other plants might struggle.
  
• It is perfectly at home fully submerged in an aquarium or emersed in a humid terrarium. This flexibility makes it a favorite for diverse aquascapes.

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. We encourage you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!

Family Name: Araceae
Origin: Borneo (Endemic)
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Low to Medium
CO2: Not necessary but recommended
pH Range: 6.0 – 8.0
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors