Buce ‘Purple Blue’ is a beginner-friendly, low-tech aquarium plant featuring flat, oval-shaped leaves with intense hues ranging from deep purple and blue to shimmering turquoise, which are most pronounced when grown under full-spectrum LED lighting. Like other epiphytes, it can grow submerged or emersed and prefers to attach its rhizome to driftwood or rock rather than be buried in substrate. Over time, it'll slowly spread into compact, iridescent clusters that add a striking jewel-toned accent to the foreground or midground of freshwater aquascapes.
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. 'Purple Blue' |
| Common Name(s) | Buce Purple Blue, Purple 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 | 1.5"–3" (3.5–7.5 cm) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 68°F–80°F (20°C–26°C) |
| Propagation Method | Rhizome Division (Separate with sharp shears) |
| Origin | Borneo (Endemic) |
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 aquasoil, sand, or gravel. Attach it to driftwood or rocks, or wedge the roots into hardscape while keeping the rhizome exposed.
3. Is Bucephalandra ‘Purple Blue’ beginner-friendly?
Yes. Bucephalandra ‘Purple Blue’ is a beginner-friendly, low-light aquarium plant that grows without specialized substrate or pressurized CO₂, making it well suited for low-tech planted aquariums.
Overall rating: 4.62931 / 5 from 116 reviews.
Bucephalandra Purple Blue is a highly prized aquarium plant known for its vibrant purple and blue hues. Customers appreciate its beautiful coloration, healthy appearance, and easy care. Optimal growth is achieved with low to medium lighting, CO2 injection, and consistent tank upkeep.
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"Plants arrived promptly and in good condition with good quality and quantity."
"When you're in a bit of a plant desert and need to order a vision you have online, Buce is the place! I was genuinely surprised at the quality and packaging. This is one less stress and gamble in the hobby."
"Plant arrived in very poor condition."
"Perfect size for a nano doing dry start -"
"I was very happy with my purchase. The buce plants arrived healthy and well-established, with plenty of small roots. I didn’t mind trimming the roots a bit to expose the rhizome—it actually made it much easier to attach them securely to my rocks."
"Beauty, looks great for any aquarium"
"Plants arrived healthy, in good condition. Appear to be doing well attached to driftwood in my 65 gallon."
"This Buce variant alongside my other one came in with leaves either tattered and/or holes all over the leaves. I’ll still see if they survive, but they look terrible compared to the rest of my order. Edit: They were kind enough to refund the price(s) for the bad plants of my order."
"Came looking great and a good portion of it too"
"Great"
