Bucephalandra 'Catherine'
Portion Size:
You will receive one Bucephalandra 'Catarina' plant, similar in size to the product photos, with approximately 3–6 leaves.
Description
Bucephalandra 'Catarina' is a small, narrow-leaved and highly decorative Bucephalandra with a distinctive appearance. The trade name "Catarina" appears to refer to Bucephalandra catherineae, although the exact species identification is uncertain.
Like all Bucephalandra, 'Catarina' originates from Borneo, where these rheophytic plants naturally grow attached to rocks in the flood zones of fast-moving streams and rivers.
'Catarina' develops horizontal rhizomes with an ascending growing tip and produces numerous side shoots, particularly along older sections of the rhizome. Its elongated to narrow, almost linear leaves can reach approximately 5 cm long and 0.7 cm wide, with attractive curly leaf margins.
Underwater, the leaves can develop very dark olive-green to brown-red tones, while new leaves often emerge in attractive light brown to orange shades. With time, the plant can develop into a dense, multi-headed group as it produces additional side shoots.
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 clump.
Bucephalandra 'Catherine'' — Quick Stats
| Parameter |
Details |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Family |
Araceae |
| Genus |
Bucephalandra |
| Origin |
Borneo, Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type |
Rhizome / Epiphyte |
| Growth Rate |
Slow |
| Height |
Approximately 2–5" |
| Width |
Up to 18"+ when established |
| Leaf Size |
Up to 5 cm long × 0.7 cm wide |
| 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 |
