Bucephalandra Cascade King

Plant Profile

Common Name: Bucephalandra Cascade King

Buce ‘Cascade King’ is a medium-to-large, low-tech aquarium plant variant characterized by its long, narrow leaves and elegantly ruffled margins. This variety is highly prized for its ability to transition from deep green to rich purplish-blue tones, revealing a brilliant iridescent sheen under high-quality LED lighting. 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. Cascade King is a striking choice for the midground or background of freshwater aquascapes, slowly sprouting from thick rhizomes to create bold, flowing greenery within a planted tank.

Key Features & Notes

• Under stable conditions and proper lighting, the foliage develops a metallic blue-purple shimmer that is highly sought after by collectors.
• The elongated, ruffled leaves offer a distinct visual contrast to smaller species, adding a sense of scale and movement to your layout.
• 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.
  
• It is perfectly at home fully submerged in an aquarium or emersed in a humid terrarium. This flexibility makes it a favorite for diverse aquascapes.

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.
• 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