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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Bucephalandra Godzilla

Bucephalandra sp.

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaAraceae

Variety of Bucephalandra · godzilla

📍 Borneo (captive-propagated)

Ask Finn

One of the larger Bucephalandra varieties, producing broad, dark green to nearly black leaves with subtle blue-purple iridescence along the margins. The name reflects its size relative to most Buces. Its bold, wide leaves create strong contrast in a scape when positioned alongside finer-leaved plants. Attaches readily to driftwood and rock with superglue gel.

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Softening or blackening of the rhizome, mushy texture, foul odor, leaf loss.

Treatment

Improve water circulation and reduce organic buildup; trim affected areas with sterile scissors; ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate. Increase water changes and consider activated carbon filtration.

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)

Symptoms

Black or dark red filamentous algae coating leaves and rhizome, reducing photosynthesis.

Treatment

Manual removal with a soft brush; increase water flow around the plant; reduce light duration to 6–8 hours daily; add algae-eating shrimp (Red Cherry, Amano) or consider hydrogen peroxide spot treatment (1–2 mL per 10 gallons).

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of iridescent coloration.

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish) at recommended rates; ensure adequate fish bioload; perform 25–30% weekly water changes to replenish trace minerals. Deficiency is rare in established tanks with fish.

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution, transparent or translucent tissue, plant collapse within days.

Treatment

Usually caused by drastic water parameter changes; acclimate slowly over 1–2 weeks when introducing to new tanks. Maintain stable pH (5.0–7.5) and temperature (22–28°C); trim affected leaves and allow new growth to emerge from the rhizome.

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Quick Facts

co2
Not required (CO₂ enhances growth speed)
light
Low to medium
max size
10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall
placement
Midground accent
substrate
None — attach to hardscape
growth rate
Slow

Water it likes

ph
5.0–7.5
notes
Larger leaves than most Buces. Good contrast plant in detailed scapes.
hardness
0–10 dGH
temperature
162–180°F (72–82°C)

Stats

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Growing in0 tanks