Buce ‘Kir Royale’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant featuring generally round, green leaves with newer growth that often displays a subtle golden, copper-red tone. This variety is prized for its underwater transformation, where the foliage can develop deep hues of purple and blue accented by small, shimmering white speckles. It thrives submerged or emersed and prefers to be mounted on driftwood or rock rather than buried in substrate. Kir Royale is an exquisite choice for the foreground or midground of freshwater aquascapes, slowly sprouting from thin rhizomes to create a dense, colorful colony that provides a jeweled look within a planted tank.
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. 'Kir Royale' |
| Common Name(s) | Buce Kir Royale, Kir Royale |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Epiphyte (Rhizome) |
| Care Difficulty | Beginner / Easy (Low-Tech Compatible) |
| Light Requirement | Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Accelerates growth & color density) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Detail, Midground Accent, Hardscape Crevices |
| Height / Size | 1.5"–3" (3.5–7.5 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 | 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 aquasoil, sand, or gravel. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed.
3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Kir Royale’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Kir Royale’ 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: 4.769231 / 5 from 65 reviews.
Bucephalandra Kir Royale is an easy-to-care-for aquarium plant ideal for beginners. Customers appreciate its vibrant leaves and healthy appearance. It thrives in moderate lighting and stable water conditions, with CO2 injection recommended for optimal growth.
Review topics: [color, shipping, looks, packaged, size, instructions, quality, plants, leaves, portion, buce, order, melt, growing, service, roots, pieces, experience, appearance, surprise, source].
"I’ve ordered from Buce several times over the last couple of years. This time the plants arrived in the box I paid additional for in good shape. Coloring was good however surprised at the portions/size of all the plants I ordered. This is the first time I was disappointed in the size/portions I paid for. I wouldn’t have bought the plants at all let alone paid for the shipping and cost of the temp protected box had I known."
"Healthy!"
"Nice plant. Strong leaves and roots. Doing well in the aquarium."
"Plants are healthy acclimating to tank pretty well ,very happy with purchase"
"Plant looks good, no snails, will buy again"
"Always very pleased with the quality!"
"Came in tact, healthy. Growing in my 20g now."
"Very nice plant, hopefully I don't kill it lol. Thank you Buce."
"These are some of the nicest plants I’ve received in the mail ever! They gave you a nice quantity for the price and the shipping was quick!"
"All plants were well packaged and arrived healthy!"
