Bucephalandra Red Scorpio
Plant Profile
Buce ‘Red Scorpio’ is a rare and striking aquarium plant featuring dark green, linear leaves with extremely undulate margins that resemble ruffled blades of grass. This variety has vibrant red rhizomes and silvery-dotted foliage that transitions into a rich array of deep reddish-brown hues once adapted to underwater life. 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. Red Scorpio is a great accent to the foreground or midground of an aquascape, where its unique leaves offer a pronounced iridescent shimmer and texture.
Key Features & Notes
- The slender, linear leaf shape paired with intense ruffling provides a vertical, textured aesthetic that is distinct from broader-leafed Buce varieties.
- The base of the plant maintains a bold reddish color, offering a beautiful contrast against the dark olive-green and reddish-brown foliage.
- Each leaf is peppered with tiny, silvery dots (stomata) that catch the light, enhancing the plant’s natural metallic iridescence.
- 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. 'Red Scorpio' |
| Common Name(s) | Buce Red Scorpio, Red Scorpio |
| 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 | 1.5"–3.5" (3.5–9.0 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 ‘Red Scorpio’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Red Scorpio’ 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.