No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Bucephalandra Velvet
Bucephalandra sp. Velvet
Also known as Buce Velvet
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Liliopsida›Alismatales›Araceae
Bucephalandra Velvet is a compact, slow-growing rhizome plant prized for its velvety, dark green to blackish leaves with a distinctive textured appearance. Its small size and unique leaf surface make it an excellent choice for aquascaping in foreground to midground positions. This variety is relatively hardy and benefits from stable water conditions and moderate lighting.
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Slow
- Placement
- epiphyte
- Temp
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Non-destructive, will not uproot or damage rhizome; helps control algae on leaves
Peaceful, small bioload, will not disturb attached plant
Gentle algae eater that will not damage delicate velvet leaves
Small, peaceful schooling fish; non-destructive to plants
Pairs well visually; same care requirements and growth rate
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Bucephalandra Velvet to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Rhizome Rot, Algae Overgrowth on Leaves, Melting / Transition Melt, Iron Deficiency
Rhizome Rot
Soft, blackened rhizome; mushy texture; foul odor; leaf yellowing and melting
Ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate; improve water circulation and reduce organic waste; check for ammonia/nitrite spikes; consider partial water changes and removal of affected portions if severe
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green, brown, or black algae coating the velvety leaf surface; reduced light penetration to leaf
Increase water flow around plant; reduce lighting duration if excessive; add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus); manually remove algae with soft brush; maintain nutrient balance to prevent excess algae
Melting / Transition Melt
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; typically occurs after planting or major water parameter changes
Maintain stable water parameters (pH, temperature, hardness); ensure adequate lighting and CO2; do not trim affected leaves immediately; allow 2–4 weeks for acclimation; improve water quality and nutrient dosing
Iron Deficiency
New leaves emerge pale or yellowish; older leaves remain darker; stunted growth
Dose liquid fertilizer containing iron (chelated form); ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis; check pH (iron uptake reduced in high pH); perform regular water changes to maintain nutrient balance
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
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Slow
- Placement
- epiphyte
- Temp
- 72–82°F22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Grow Bucephalandra Velvet? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how it has grown in your tank help the next keeper.