Bucephalandra Purple Adonis
Common Name: Bucephalandra Purple Adonis
Buce ‘Purple Adonis’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant variation with small, teardrop-shaped leaves that shine a deep purplish, almost indigo hue once adapted to growing underwater and flash a metallic sheen under quality LED lighting. Its jewel-like color makes it a lovely pick for the foreground of freshwater aquascapes, where it will slowly sprout from thin rhizomes to create a dense colony. Like all Buce, Purple Adonis does well emersed or submerged and is happiest when affixed to driftwood or rocks instead of tucked into substrate.
Key Features & Notes
- Under stable conditions and proper lighting, the foliage develops a stunning dark purple-to-blue shimmer that is highly sought after by collectors.
- The small, elegant leaf shape makes it perfect for adding detail to small rocks or creating a sense of scale in nano setups.
- 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 humid terrarium. This flexibility makes it a favorite for diverse planted tanks.
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