Bucephalandra Black Tears
Common Name: Bucephalandra Black Tears
Buce ‘Black Tears’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant featuring slender, elongated, and almost teardrop-shaped leaves, from which it earns its unique name. This variety displays a sophisticated, deep shade of green. 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. It’s a beautiful addition to the foreground or midground of a planted tank, gradually extending from slender rhizomes to create a lush, vibrant cluster.
Key Features & Notes
- The slender, elongated leaf shape offers a distinct visual departure from the more common round or oval Bucephalandra varieties.
- Its dark, saturated green foliage provides an excellent backdrop for lighter plants or bright shrimp and fish in a planted tank.
- 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 a high-humidity terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium.
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.
- 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.
- Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
Additional Information
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. We encourage 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