🌿 Bucephalandra ‘Red Sword’ – Complete Care Guide

Bucephalandra ‘Red Sword’ is a striking, rare Buce variety prized for its sword-shaped leaves and reddish to bronze coloration. It is compact, slow-growing, and ideal for detailed aquascapes or nano setups.

⭐ Appearance

• Leaf Shape: Long, narrow, sword-like; slightly wavy edges.

• Leaf Color:

  • Bright bronze to reddish tones

  • Can show maroon, copper, or muted green depending on light

• Size: Usually 5–10 cm tall, with rhizomes up to several centimeters.

• Growth Form: Tight clumps; rhizome creeps slowly.

🌱 Growth & Requirements

Light

• Low to medium is ideal.

• Higher light enhances red/bronze tones, but too much light increases algae risk.

CO₂

• Optional, but beneficial for:

  • richer coloration

  • quicker growth

  • more compact leaves

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Appreciates gentle to moderate water flow.

Placement

• Best in foreground to mid-ground, on:

  • driftwood

  • lava rock

  • seiryu/dragon stone

• Do not bury the rhizome.

💧 Maintenance

• Very slow grower → minimal trimming needed.

• Remove older yellowing leaves periodically.

• Keep algae in check around the plant.

🍃 Propagation

• Propagate by cutting rhizome sections, each with 3–5 healthy leaves.

• Tie or glue to hardscape.

• New shoots appear slowly but steadily over weeks/months.

🌈 Coloration Tips

To maximize red/bronze hues:

• Provide medium, stable lighting.

• Give consistent micronutrient fertilization.

• Maintain soft, clean water.

• CO₂ speeds pigmentation but isn’t mandatory.

🧪 Fertilization

• Benefits from:

  • liquid ferts (especially iron and trace elements)

  • clean water for better color expression

• Avoid heavy dosing to prevent algae.

⚠️ Common Issues

Melting

• Typical after shipping/relocation.

• Keep parameters stable → new leaves will regrow.

Algae on Leaves

• Buce leaves grow slowly → vulnerable under intense light.

• Place in semi-shaded spots if algae appears.

🪴 Ideal For

• Nano tanks

• Highlight plants in nature/scaper layouts

• Shrimp tanks

• Low-tech or high-tech setups

• Aquascapes needing warm red-bronze contrast