Plant Profile
Bucephalandra ‘Shine Blue’ is a low-tech aquarium plant known for its blue-green leaves and subtle blue iridescence. The leaves have gently undulating edges and can develop a deeper blue sheen under suitable aquarium lighting. Like other Bucephalandra varieties, Shine Blue is a slow-growing epiphyte that can be attached to rocks and driftwood, making it a natural fit for detailed freshwater aquascapes.
Key Features & Notes
- Blue-green leaves develop a subtle metallic blue sheen that becomes more noticeable under aquarium lighting.
- Gently undulating leaf margins add texture and detail to rocks, driftwood, and other hardscape.
- Slow growth makes Shine Blue a good choice for aquascapes that don't require frequent trimming.
- This is one of the most durable species in the hobby and thrives in shaded areas. It is an ideal choice for planted tanks where other plants might struggle.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Bucephalandra is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe glue or thread; never bury the horizontal rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt.
- Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting because unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens.
- While this plant is hardy and low-maintenance in standard low-light aquarium plant setups, CO2 injection and regular liquid fertilizing will yield much faster growth and richer iridescence.
- Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
Quick Facts
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. 'Shine Blue' |
| Common Name(s) |
Buce Shine Blue, Shine Blue |
| 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 |
2 – 4" |
| Growth Rate |
Slow |
| Water Parameters |
pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 72°F–82°F |
| Propagation Method |
Rhizome Division (Separate with sharp shears) |
| Origin |
Borneo (Endemic) |
Frequently Asked Questions
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. How do I get more blue color from Bucephalandra Shine Blue?
Stable aquarium conditions and appropriate lighting can help bring out the blue-green coloration and iridescent sheen of Shine Blue. Individual plants can vary in coloration depending on their growing conditions.
