Bucephalandra Catherinae Green
Plant Profile
Bucephalandra ‘Catherinae Green’ is a rare, beginner-friendly aquarium plant variant that features short stalks and narrow, wavy leaves. This variety develops a deep, emerald green coloration once fully adapted to growing underwater and maintains a low-growing, compact profile. Like other epiphytes, it can grow submerged or emersed and prefers to attach its rhizome to driftwood or rock rather than be buried in substrate. It's a small addition with an outsized amount of detail once established in the foreground or midground in a planted tank.
Key Features & Notes
- The slender, rippled leaves provide a distinct fine-leaf texture that is ideal for adding detail to complex hardscape layouts.
- While many Buce variants turn dark or purple, Catherinae Green maintains a rich, vibrant green that contrasts beautifully against dark stones or wood.
- 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.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Bucephalandra is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe glue or thread; never bury the horizontal rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt.
- Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting because unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens.
- While this plant is hardy and low-maintenance in standard low-light aquarium plant setups, CO2 injection and regular liquid fertilizing will yield much faster growth and richer iridescence.
- Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bucephalandra sp. 'Catherinae Green' |
| Common Name(s) | Buce Catherinae Green, Catherinae Green |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Beginner / Easy (Low-Tech Compatible) |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Accelerates growth & color density) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Detail, Midground Accent, Fine Texture Accent |
| Height / Size | 1"–3" (2.5–7.5 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–8.0 | Temperature 68°F–80°F (20°C–26°C) |
| Propagation Method | Rhizome Division (Separate with sharp shears) |
| Origin | Borneo (Endemic) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my Bucephalandra melting?
Bucephalandra melt can occur after changes in water chemistry, temperature, or lighting. If the rhizome remains firm, keep it attached to hardscape while the plant acclimates and produces new submerged growth.
2. Can I plant Bucephalandra in substrate?
Bucephalandra is an epiphyte, so never bury its rhizome in substrate. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed.
3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Catherinae Green’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Catherinae Green’ is a beginner-friendly, low-light aquarium plant that grows without specialized substrate or pressurized CO₂, making it well-suited for low-tech planted aquariums.