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Bucephalandra Hellfire
Bucephalandra sp. 'Hellfire'
Also known as Buce Hellfire
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Araceae
Variety of Bucephalandra
Bucephalandra Hellfire is a trade-name form of Bucephalandra, the small rheophyte aroids that grow on rocks along Borneo's forest streams. Sellers describe dark leaves, from deep green to nearly black, some with red tones. Like other Buce it is a slow, compact plant, grown attached to stone or wood rather than planted in the substrate.
At a glance
- Light
- Low to medium
- CO₂
- Recommended for best coloration
- Growth
- Very slow
- Placement
- Foreground accent
- Temp
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 18–179 ppm
- 1–10 dGH
Nitrate under 15 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 6Shrimp will not damage the plant and benefit from the cover it provides; ideal for planted tanks
Large enough to avoid predation and will not harm the plant; excellent algae control
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that respect plants and thrive in the same low-light conditions
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements and growth rate; creates natural aquascaping
Compatible low-light plant that creates layered hardscape designs and provides additional cover
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Common diseases 4Rhizome Rot, Algae Overgrowth, Nutrient Deficiency, Melting
Rhizome Rot
Blackening or softening of the rhizome, leaf loss, foul odor from the plant base
Improve water circulation, reduce organic buildup, perform partial water changes, and ensure the rhizome is not buried in substrate; remove affected portions with a sterile blade if necessary
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves, reducing light penetration and nutrient uptake
Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, and manually remove algae with a soft brush; avoid excess nutrients
Nutrient Deficiency
Pale or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, leaf holes or transparent patches
Dose all-in-one fertilizer or macronutrient supplements weekly; consider adding CO2 injection to accelerate growth and nutrient uptake
Melting
Rapid leaf deterioration and transparency, usually after sudden environmental changes
Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 23-28°C), avoid drastic changes, ensure adequate light and nutrients, and be patient as the plant typically recovers within weeks
Varieties
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Light
- Low to medium
- CO₂
- Recommended for best coloration
- Growth
- Very slow
- Placement
- Foreground accent
- Temp
- 72–82°F22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 18–179 ppm1–10 dGH
Nitrate under 15 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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