Plant Profile
Common Name: Bucephalandra Red Scorpio
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 aquascapes where other plants might struggle.
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 – 8.0
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors
