Bucephalandra “Kedagang Mini”, a popular freshwater aquarium plant.

🌿 General Overview

• Scientific genus: Bucephalandra

• Common name: Kedagang Mini

• Origin: Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia

• Plant type: Rhizome plant

• Growth form: Compact, slow-growing

• Typical use: Foreground / midground, nano aquascapes

“Kedagang Mini” is a smaller variant of the Kedagang group, prized for its compact size and subtle coloration.

🍃 Appearance

• Leaf size: Small (mini), oval to slightly elongated

• Leaf texture: Thick, leathery

• Coloration:

  • Dark green to bluish-green

  • Can show metallic blue or purple sheen under good lighting

• Rhizome: Thick, creeping; must stay above substrate

💡 Care Requirements

Lighting

• Low to medium light

• Higher light enhances:

  • Metallic sheen

  • Compact growth

• Too much light may encourage algae (common with Buce)

CO₂

• Not required

• Highly recommended for:

  • Faster growth

  • Better coloration

  • Healthier leaves

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28 °C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Prefers clean, stable water

Flow

• Moderate flow is ideal

• Mimics natural river habitat and helps prevent algae buildup

🌱 Planting & Placement

• Do NOT bury the rhizome

• Attach to:

  • Driftwood

  • Rocks

  • Hardscape using glue or thread

• Ideal for:

  • Nano tanks

  • Detail-focused aquascapes

  • Iwagumi accents

🌿 Growth & Maintenance

• Growth rate: Slow

• New leaves emerge gradually from the rhizome

• Older leaves may melt when first introduced (normal adaptation)

• Remove algae-prone older leaves if needed

🧪 Fertilization

• Light dosing of:

  • Liquid fertilizers

  • Trace elements

• Avoid overdosing—Bucephalandra are sensitive

🐠 Compatibility

• Safe with:

  • Shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina)

  • Small peaceful fish

• Shrimp love grazing biofilm on Buce leaves

⚠️ Common Issues

• Algae on leaves: Too much light / unstable parameters

• Melting: Normal transition stress

• Slow growth: Normal; patience required

⭐ Why Choose Kedagang Mini?

• Excellent for small tanks

• Highly decorative despite minimal care

• Rare, premium look without demanding conditions