Bucephalandra Freya

Common Name: Bucephalandra 'Freya'

Buce ‘Freya’ is a low-tech, small aquarium plant featuring broad and ruffled oval-shaped leaves that are a dark olive color, sometimes appearing almost black. This variety is highly prized for its smaller, rounded foliage and a pronounced central rib, which provides a striking skeletal look similar to larger species. Highly versatile, it can be grown submerged or emersed, usually attached to hardscape such as driftwood or rocks rather than being buried in traditional aquarium substrate. This slow-growing epiphyte is an ideal candidate for foreground and midground detailing, where it will gradually sprout from its rhizome to create a textured, colorful accent within your planted tank.

Key Features & Notes

• The dark olive to black coloration and ruffled edges offer a dramatic, sophisticated aesthetic that serves as a perfect focal point against lighter stones.
• The distinct vein in the center of the leaf adds a rugged, organic detail that is particularly visible under high-quality aquarium LED lighting.
• This is one of the most durable species in the hobby and thrives in shaded areas. It is an ideal choice for aquascapes 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. We encourage you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!

Family Name: Araceae
Origin: Borneo (Endemic)
Skill Level: Easy
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Low to Medium
CO2: Not necessary but recommended
pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors