Care Guide

Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy'

Bucephalandra Green Wavy

Advanced difficulty

Care at a Glance

Lighting

Low

Growth Rate

slow

Growth Form

Spreading rhizome

Placement

Foreground or atached to hardscape

True Aquatic

Does well in aquariums and also in humid terrariums

Available As

Bare root and Tissue Culture

About This Plant

Bucephalandra is a new genus to the aquarium world within the last few years. It has become very popular, for good reason. It is not difficult to grow and is extremely decorative. Florida AquaticNurseries is happy to offer Bucephalandra ‘Green Wavy’. Bucephalandra is usually found in nature growing on rocks along the edge of fast-flowing streams, where it can be found both under water and above the surface, under fast-changing conditions. When above the water, it requires very high humidity to remain healthy. The care and use of Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' is much like the care and use of Anubias in the aquarium. It is hardy, and tolerant of very low light levels. It is typically attached to either wood or stone in the aquarium, because the roots are quite short, and it does not like to have the rhizome buried. However, if you can manage to get it planted in a loose substrate in a way that just the roots are buried, it can do very well that way too. With its glossy, wavy green leaves, Bucephalandra ‘Green Wavy’ is a great addition to any aquarium. Bucephalandra ‘Green Wavy’ flowers readily under water, for added interest.

Quick-Reference Details

Common name: Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy'
Scientific name: Bucephalandra Green Wavy
Family: Araceae
Native to: Borneo
Difficulty: Advanced
Requirements: Undemanding
Lighting: Low
Growth rate: slow
Growth form: Spreading rhizome
Placement: Foreground or atached to hardscape
True aquatic: Does well in aquariums and also in humid terrariums
Available as: Bare root and Tissue Culture

Difficulty — Advanced

Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

CO2 & Fertilization

CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.

Tank Size & Setup

Suits tanks of any size. Foreground carpeting plants work especially well in 10-40 gallon planted setups where the viewer is close to the substrate.

Aquascaping & Placement

Use as a foreground carpeting plant. Plant small portions on 2-3 cm centers and let runners fill the gaps over 4-8 weeks. The rhizome is the green horizontal stem. Attach it to driftwood, lava rock, or stone with cotton thread or super-glue gel — burying the rhizome causes rot.

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.

Common Care Issues

Rhizome rot

The rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) must stay above the substrate. Buried rhizomes turn black and mushy within a few weeks. Tie the plant to hardscape or wedge it between rocks instead.

Pale or stretched leaves

If new growth comes in pale yellow or the stems stretch unusually long, the plant is reaching for more light. Either raise the fixture's intensity or add a richer fertilizer.

Algae on old leaves

Slow growers accumulate dust and spot algae on older leaves. Wipe affected leaves with your fingers during water changes, and consider adding a few Amano shrimp or Otocinclus as cleaners.

Decline after a few months underwater

This species is not a true aquatic and slowly declines when permanently submerged. Move it to a humid emersed setup (paludarium, terrarium, pond margin) for several months to rejuvenate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' need?

Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' (Bucephalandra Green Wavy) prefers low lighting. Standard tank lighting is sufficient — no specialty fixture is required.

Does Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' need CO2?

CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.

Is Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' good for beginners?

Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

How fast does Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' grow?

Growth rate is slow. Be patient — visible new growth may take 3-4 weeks, but the plant is famously low-maintenance once settled.

What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy'?

Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.

Can Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' live fully submerged long-term?

No. Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy' is not a true aquatic plant and slowly declines after a few months underwater. Use it as a temporary display piece in an aquarium, or grow it permanently in a paludarium, riparium, or pond margin where the leaves can reach air.