Bucephalandra sp. 'Theia'
Portion Size:
You will receive one Bucephalandra sp. 'Theia' plant, similar in size to the product photos, with approximately 3–6 leaves.
Description
Bucephalandra sp. 'Theia' is a compact and highly decorative Bucephalandra known for its beautiful coloration and distinctive underwater appearance. The plant is produced under the trade name 'Theia' in nurseries and tissue culture laboratories, although its exact species identity and origin are currently unknown.
Like all Bucephalandra, 'Theia' is native to Borneo, where Bucephalandra species naturally grow as rheophytes attached to rocks in the flood zones of streams and rivers.
When grown underwater, 'Theia' develops compact, rosette-like shoots with striking reddish-brown to purple coloration, often accompanied by a subtle bluish sheen. Its short-stalked, rounded leaves can reach approximately 3.5 cm in length. The leaves may also develop numerous silvery spots underwater, caused by the visible stomata on the leaf surface.
The rhizome grows in a creeping to ascending fashion and branches readily. As the plant matures, its numerous side shoots can develop into a dense, bushy clump reaching approximately 6–7 cm tall and at least 18 cm wide.
Bucephalandra is highly adaptable and can thrive under a wide range of aquarium conditions. It does not require CO2, although supplemental CO2 can encourage faster growth and more vigorous development.
Like Anubias and Java Fern, Bucephalandra should not be planted with its rhizome buried in the substrate. Instead, attach it to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape using aquarium-safe planting glue or thread. The roots will eventually anchor themselves to the hardscape.
Care
Bucephalandra is one of the easier aquarium plants to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of aquarium conditions. It performs well under low to medium lighting and benefits from nutrients available in the water column.
Because it is a slow-growing plant, excessive lighting can encourage algae growth on the leaves. A quality all-in-one liquid fertilizer can help provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Once established, Bucephalandra can tolerate moderate to high water flow.
How to Plant
Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rocks, or other aquarium hardscape using aquarium-safe planting glue or thread.
Do not bury the rhizome in the substrate. The rhizome should remain completely exposed while the roots can be allowed to grow around or into the substrate or hardscape.
Over time, the roots will naturally attach the plant to its surroundings, while new side shoots can develop along the rhizome to form a larger, bushier clump.
Bucephalandra sp. 'Theia' — Quick Stats
| Parameter |
Details |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Family |
Araceae |
| Genus |
Bucephalandra |
| Origin |
Borneo, Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type |
Rhizome / Epiphyte |
| Growth Rate |
Slow |
| Height |
Approximately 6–7 cm (2.5–3") |
| Width |
At least 18" when established |
| Leaf Size |
Up to approximately 3.5 cm |
| Lighting |
Low – Medium |
| CO2 |
Optional |
| Temperature |
20–28°C (68–82°F) |
| pH |
5.0–8.0 |
| Water Hardness |
Soft – Hard |
| Placement |
Attached to rocks or driftwood |
| Propagation |
Rhizome division |
