Tropica Bucephalandra Needle Leaf - 139C TC

Bucephalandra sp. 'Needle leaf' is an attractive aquarium plant featuring elongated, slightly wave...

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eBayTropica Bucephalandra Needle Leaf 1-2-Grow - Live Aquarium Tissue Culture Plant
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www.pond-planet.co.ukTropica Light/Green/White Bucephalandra Needle Leaf 1-2-Grow
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B&QB&Q - Bucephalandra Needle Leaf Medium Foreground Attach Aquarium Plant
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Product Information

Full details

The Tropica Bucephalandra sp. 'Needle leaf' is an ideal choice for advanced aquascapers and nano tank enthusiasts looking for a compact, slow-growing epiphyte to add intricate detail to their layouts. Its unique, elongated leaves and creeping habit offer a sophisticated aesthetic for hardscape attachment, though its slow growth rate requires patience and stable water parameters to prevent algae buildup on older leaves.

All features

Model Part Number139C TC
BrandTropica

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can I plant this directly into the sand or soil?

No, it is an epiphyte. You must attach it to hardscape like wood or stone, or it will rot.

Does this plant need CO2?

While it can survive without it, CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to achieve optimal growth and vibrant coloration.

How do I divide the plant?

Using sharp, clean aquarium scissors, carefully cut the rhizome into smaller segments, ensuring each piece has at least a few leaves attached.

Is it safe for my aquarium shrimp?

Yes, because it is grown in tissue culture, it is free of pesticides and snails, making it one of the safest options for shrimp tanks.

How fast does this plant grow?

It is a very slow grower, which makes it ideal for low-maintenance layouts but requires patience to fill in empty spaces.

Troubleshooting

Rhizome is turning brown and mushy

The rhizome is likely buried too deep or suffering from poor water circulation. Remove it from the substrate and attach it to a surface where it can receive better flow.

Green algae growing on leaves

This is common with slow-growing plants under high light. Reduce lighting intensity or duration, and ensure you have consistent CO2 levels if applicable.

Leaves melting shortly after planting

Plants often undergo an 'acclimation period' when transitioning from a tissue culture environment to a submerged one. Trim away melted leaves and allow the rhizome to sprout new growth.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Pest and snail-free guaranteed due to tissue culture process
  • Compact size is perfect for nano tanks and detailed hardscaping
  • Beautiful color contrast between green leaves and red rhizome
  • Safe for sensitive aquarium inhabitants like shrimp

Cons

  • Very slow growth rate requires significant patience
  • Susceptible to algae if light intensity is too high
  • Rhizome rot can occur if buried too deeply in substrate
  • Best results require CO2 supplementation and consistent fertilization

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To begin, remove the plant from its tissue culture cup and thoroughly rinse away all growth media under lukewarm water. Divide the cluster into smaller 6-8 portions to maximize coverage. When mounting, ensure the rhizome—the thick, creeping stem—is not buried in the substrate, as this will lead to rot. Instead, attach it to hardscape using plant-safe glue or thread. The plant thrives in temperatures between 20-28°C and prefers moderate water flow. Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers will support its slow but steady development. Avoid placing the plant directly under high-intensity lighting to prevent green spot algae from forming on the leaves.

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