Bucephalandra Motleyana Red Under Leaf
Common Name: Motleyana Red Under Leaf
Buce ‘Motleyana Red Under Leaf’ is a low-tech, beginner-friendly aquarium plant featuring vibrant green foliage contrasted by reddish rhizomes and leaf undersides. This variety is highly prized for its unique two-tone appearance, providing a subtle but sophisticated pop of color when viewed from different angles in the tank. 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. It's a great accent for foreground or midground placement in a planted tank, where it will slowly grow into a dense, colorful colony over time.
Key Features & Notes
- While the top of the leaf remains a lush green, the undersides and the creeping rhizome develop deep red tones that offer a beautiful color contrast.
- 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 high-humidity terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums.
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)
Skill Level: Easy
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