Tropica Bucephalandra pygmaea ‘Bukit Kelam’
R275,00
In nature, Bucephalandra usually grows on rocks or wood in rivers and streams – much like Anubias, which they resemble regarding use and care in the aquarium.
Bucephalandra ‘Wavy Green’ is an easy, slow-growing plant that prefers lower light levels. A nice, dense appearance is ensured by the willingness to branch, even without trimming.
The green leaves are 2 cm wide and 5 cm long with wavy edges. Tiny white spots will appear on immerse leaves.
The creeping stem, rhizome, must not be covered when planting. This will cause the plant to rot and die.
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Description
Tropica Bucephalandra pygmaea ‘Bukit Kelam’ 🌿💎
The Tropica Bucephalandra pygmaea ‘Bukit Kelam’ is a stunning and rare variety of Bucephalandra, native to the rivers and streams of Borneo. This cultivated form, named after the Bukit Kelam mountain, is highly sought after for its compact size, wavy dark-green leaves, and iridescent shimmer ✨.
Like all Bucephalandras, it is a rhizome-based plant that naturally attaches to hardscape such as rocks, driftwood, and roots. It is very slow-growing ⏳, thrives in low to medium light 💡, and is incredibly hardy – making it suitable for aquascapers of all levels.
Its unique beauty and miniature growth form make it one of the most prized Bucephalandra varieties in the aquarium hobby.
Key Features ✨
🌿 Small, compact growth – ideal for nano aquariums
🍃 Wavy, oval leaves with a deep green tone and subtle iridescence
💡 Tolerates low to medium light without losing its beauty
🪵 Rhizome-based plant – attaches naturally to wood and stone
⏳ Very slow grower, but long-lasting and resilient
🐟 Safe with fish, shrimp, and snails – popular for shrimp tanks
🎨 Collectible plant, perfect for fine aquascaping detail
Origin & Popularity 🌍
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Origin: Borneo (specifically Bukit Kelam mountain region)
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Habitat: Fast-flowing rivers and streams, where it grows attached to rocks and submerged wood
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Popularity: Considered a collector’s Bucephalandra, prized for its compact size, ease of care, and unique shimmering appearance.
Aquascaping Potential 🎨
🌱 Nano tanks: Perfect centerpiece or cluster plant in small layouts
🪵 Hardscape detailing: Looks beautiful attached to driftwood, rock crevices, or root structures
🐠 Shrimp aquariums: Provides natural grazing surfaces and shelter
🎋 Foreground & midground: Stays compact, making it versatile for smaller aquascapes
✨ Collector’s highlight: Adds a touch of rarity and sophistication to any planted tank
Planting & Care 🛠️
❌ Do not bury the rhizome in substrate – tie or glue to wood or rock
💡 Low to medium light preferred; excessive light may cause algae
💧 Tolerates a wide range of water conditions, but grows best in stable, soft to medium-hard water
💨 CO₂ is not required but will encourage healthier growth and more intense coloration
✂️ Prune older leaves occasionally to maintain fresh growth and prevent detritus buildup
Care Reference Chart 📋
| Care Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Type | Rhizome plant |
| ⏳ Growth Rate | Very Slow |
| 💡 Light Demand | Low to Medium |
| 💨 CO₂ | Not required, but beneficial |
| 🪵 Placement | Foreground / Midground / Hardscape |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 20–28°C |
| ⚖️ pH Range | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| 💧 Hardness | Soft to medium |
| 🧹 Maintenance | Very low |
Why Choose Bucephalandra pygmaea ‘Bukit Kelam’? 🤔
This plant is a rare gem among Bucephalandra varieties. Its small, wavy leaves and shimmering tones make it a perfect accent plant for fine detail aquascaping. Ideal for nano tanks, shrimp setups, or as a highlight feature in larger aquariums, it combines beauty, resilience, and exclusivity in one plant.
Important Notice ⚠️
All Tropica plants are carefully grown and prepared, but since this is not a tissue culture specimen, it may occasionally carry snails 🐌, algae 🌿, or other hitchhikers.
For a 100% pest-free option ✅, choose Tropica Tissue Culture (TC) plants, which are grown in sterile conditions.
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