Bucephalandra ‘Pygmy’ – Complete Information

Overview

Bucephalandra ‘Pygmy’ is one of the tiniest and slowest-growing Buce varieties, prized for its compact size, wavy leaves, and vibrant coloration. It belongs to the Araceae family and originates from fast-flowing freshwater streams of Borneo. Ideal for nano tanks, aquascaping, and attaching to hardscape.

Appearance

• Size: Extremely small; 1.5–3 cm height.

• Leaves: Mini, elongated, slightly wavy.

• Color: Green to deep bluish with metallic sheen; can show iridescence under strong light.

• Rhizome: Short, compact, creeps slowly.

• Texture: Firm, leathery leaves.

• New Growth: Often reddish or pinkish tips.

Growth Characteristics

• Growth Rate: Very slow.

• Placement: Foreground, nano scapes, on driftwood/rocks.

• Propagation: Cut rhizome sections (each with 3–4 leaves).

• Hardscape Attachment: Use cotton thread, fishing line, or cyanoacrylate-based gel glue.

• Best Conditions:

  • Gentle flow

  • Stable parameters

  • Clean water

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 5 gallons and above.

• Lighting: Low to medium. High light increases coloration but may promote algae.

• CO₂: Not required but enhances color and growth.

• Substrate: Not necessary; grows on hardscape.

• Temperature: 22–28°C.

• pH: 5.5–7.5.

• GH/KH: Soft to medium-hard water acceptable.

Care & Maintenance

• Fertilization:

  • Liquid micro nutrients weekly.

  • Avoid heavy dosing of macros near leaves to prevent algae.

• Water Flow: Moderate flow helps mimic native habitat.

• Trimming: Rarely needed; only remove old or damaged leaves.

• Algae Sensitivity: High, especially black beard algae and green spot algae.

Behavior in the Aquarium

• Extremely hardy once established.

• Slow growth means algae or unstable parameters can affect it quickly.

• Colors improve under:

  • CO₂

  • Clean water

  • Mild blue-spectrum lighting

Common Problems

1. Rhizome Melt

Causes: Sudden parameter changes, poor flow, too much light.
Solution: Improve circulation, reduce light intensity, ensure stable water.

2. Algae on Leaves

Causes: Strong light + slow growth.
Solution: Reduce light duration, maintain stable CO₂, regular water changes.

3. Pale Leaves

Causes: Nutrient deficiency (micros).
Solution: Dose iron and trace fertilizers.

Ideal Aquascaping Uses

• Nano aquariums

• Foreground carpeting in slow patches

• Detail plant on wood/rocks

• Low-tech planted tanks

• Mushroom-style “island” hardscape

Compatibility

Safe with:

• All shrimp

• Small peaceful fish

• Snails

• Community setups

Avoid:

• Goldfish

• Large cichlids

• Plant-eating fish

Key Highlights

• One of the smallest Buces available

• Slow and compact growth

• Metallic sheen and iridescent colors

• Great for nano aquascapes

• Low-light tolerant and beginner-friendly