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. Its red undersides are most visible when viewed from below or at an angle, so placement near the front or on elevated hardscape shows the contrast best.Â
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 motleyana 'Red Under Leaf' |
| Common Name(s) | Buce Motleyana Red Under Leaf, Red Under Leaf |
| 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, Hardscape Crevices |
| 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) |
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 ‘Motleyana Red Under Leaf’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Motleyana Red Under Leaf’ 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.
Overall rating: 4.85 / 5 from 20 reviews.
Review topics: ["quality","packaged","plants","growing","buce","selection","clump"].
"Buceplant is the best! I received my plants in excellent condition, and they’ve started growing very well in my aquarium. They shipped my package and 2 days later it arrived intact and well packaged. You can’t go wrong with Buceplant, I will definitely be ordering from them again"
"I received a beautiful hunk of this buce recently. It is really gorgeous. I appreciate the quality that I received and am looking forward to seeing it mature."
"Plants showed up healthy and ready to go straight into tank! Growing fast and no pests like always."
"The plants were all bigger than I had thought so that's cool and may of them came with multiple growth points the quality of buce doesn't miss"
"This plant is doing strong and arrived healthy. Very easy to attach to my scape great choice for beginners."
"Excellent quality! Great packaging"
"Great quality, as always. I love the colors of this Buce! BucePlant always carries the best selection and quality of plants."
"Very nice little clump with lots of leaves and roots. Looking forward to it becoming a point of interest in my terrarium."
"Received the plant and was able to create three separate plants. Most leaves were well-formed and strong. A few of the leaves were torn or and not fully intact, but they can be pruned to redirect energy to the remaining leaves. Would like the leaf arrangement to be a bit more compact and bunched rather than “flattened” across the rhizome."
"I feel Robbed!!!! I purchased shrimp and plants . Both came in the same box, delivered at the same time. I was charged 2 shipping fees over $50. 00 ? If this is not reversed I will never and I meant never buy another item from you. I expect a credit to my credit card immediately. I hope you take care quickly. I expect a response."
