Bucephalandra “Green Wavy” is a popular ornamental aquatic plant, especially valued in aquascaping for its texture, resilience, and subtle coloration. Below is a comprehensive overview.

1. Overview

• Scientific genus: Bucephalandra

• Common name: Bucephalandra Green Wavy

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Borneo (Southeast Asia)

• Growth habit: Rhizomatous, epiphytic aquatic plant

“Green Wavy” is a cultivar name used in the aquarium trade to describe Bucephalandra varieties with distinctly wavy leaf margins and predominantly green coloration.

2. Physical Characteristics

• Leaves:

  • Narrow to medium width

  • Pronounced wavy or undulating edges

  • Deep green; may show bluish or slightly metallic hues under strong lighting

• Size:

  • Typically 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall

• Rhizome:

  • Thick and horizontal; must remain above the substrate

• Flowers:

  • Small, white to pale pink spathes

  • Often appear during stable conditions, even fully submerged

3. Growth Behavior

• Growth rate: Slow

• Form: Compact, creeping spread via rhizome branching

• Placement: Foreground to midground; also ideal for hardscape attachment

Because of its slow growth, it is highly valued in low-maintenance and long-term aquascapes.

4. Aquarium Care Requirements

Lighting

• Low to medium light

• Excessively strong light can promote algae growth on leaves

CO₂

• Not required

• CO₂ supplementation improves growth speed and leaf quality

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Thrives in stable conditions; sensitive to rapid parameter swings

Nutrients

• Absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column

• Benefits from liquid fertilizers (micronutrients and potassium)

• Avoid burying the rhizome in substrate

5. Planting and Placement

• Attach to rocks, driftwood, or hardscape using:

  • Cotton thread

  • Fishing line

  • Cyanoacrylate gel (aquarium-safe glue)

• Once established, roots will naturally anchor to surfaces

6. Maintenance

• Minimal trimming required

• Remove algae manually if it appears on older leaves

• Propagation is done by carefully cutting the rhizome into sections, ensuring each piece has multiple leaves

7. Compatibility

• Suitable for:

  • Shrimp tanks

  • Nano aquariums

  • Community fish tanks

• Resistant to grazing by most fish

• Excellent for biotopes and nature-style aquascapes

8. Common Issues

• Melting: Often occurs after introduction due to environmental change; usually temporary

• Algae growth: Result of excessive light or nutrient imbalance

• Slow recovery: Normal; patience is essential with Bucephalandra species

9. Why It’s Popular

• Unique leaf texture

• High tolerance for low-tech setups

• Long lifespan and consistent appearance

• Adds detail and depth without overpowering layouts