Common Name:Â Bucephalandra Melawi Blue
Buce ‘Melawi Blue’ is a captivating aquarium plant that has rounded leaves with pronounced midribs running through their centers. While mature foliage maintains a lush palette of light to dark green, new growth often displays hints of deep blue accented by tiny, shimmering white dots. 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. Melawi Blue is a beautiful addition to the foreground or midground of freshwater aquascapes, where it will grow into an iridescent colony over time.
Key Features & Notes
- Under high-quality full-spectrum lighting, this variant is famous for producing a metallic blue sheen on its newest leaves, making it a collector favorite.
- The "specks of shiny white" are actually small stomata that create a crystalline effect on the leaf surface, enhancing the plant’s overall sparkle.
- 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 high-humidity terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums.
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.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and clear away all rockwool from the roots. For a deep dive on prepping potted plants, click here.
- 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.
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Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
Additional Information
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages 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 – 7.5
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors
