Piptospatha Ridleyi

Plant Profile

Common Name: Piptospatha Ridleyi

Piptospatha Ridleyi is a rare, low-tech aquarium plant belonging to the same family as Bucephalandra, featuring elongated leaves with striking light green markings. Originating from the riverbanks of Borneo, this variety displays a beautiful dark green base color that provides a lush, tropical aesthetic to any layout. 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 great accent for the foreground and midgrounds of planted tanks, where its unique leaf patterns and slender profile can create a colorful colony.

Key Features & Notes

• The distinct light green variegation or markings running throughout the leaf make this a standout collector's item in the hobby.
• Reaching heights of 4–12 inches, it is an excellent tool for filling vertical space and providing a structural backdrop among hardscape.
• Like many Araceae species, it prefers low to moderate lighting; high light should be avoided to prevent algae from forming on its slow-growing leaves.
• It is a fantastic candidate for high-humidity terrariums and paludariums, provided the leaves are kept moist to prevent drying.

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
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: Medium to High
CO2: Recommended
pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
Propagation: Divide the rhizome with sharp scissors