Bucephalandra Theia
Bucephalandra Theia
Bucephalandra Theia is a refined foreground to midground variety distinguished by its slightly elongated, obovate leaves with a silvery shimmer and green to reddish-brown tones that give it a unique visual character distinct from its sibling, Blue Theia. The more upright growth habit and elongated leaf form of Theia create a graceful, structured presence in the aquascape, while the silvery shimmer across the leaf surface adds a luminous quality that changes with the angle of light.
Planting tip: Bucephalandra Theia can be planted with the rhizome resting at the substrate surface, or attached to driftwood, rock, or other hardscape at any position in the aquarium. Never fully bury the rhizome under substrate, as this will cause rot. If attaching to hardscape, use cotton thread or aquarium-safe adhesive to secure it, and the plant will anchor itself naturally over time.
As a Bornean species from Indonesia, Theia can be planted with the rhizome resting at the substrate surface or attached to hardscape at any position in the aquarium. Never fully bury the rhizome. This moderate-difficulty variety benefits from low to moderate lighting with optional CO₂ supplementation. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 suit this plant well. Like all Bucephalandra, Theia can produce small, delicate white flowers both underwater and above the waterline.
Growing to 2 to 4 inches, Theia is larger and more upright than the compact rosette form of Blue Theia, making it suitable for foreground to midground placement. Regular liquid fertilization maintains the characteristic silvery shimmer and supports the development of the reddish-brown leaf tones that make this variety most distinctive.
In the aquascape, Bucephalandra Theia creates excellent contrast when displayed alongside Blue Theia — the two varieties complement each other perfectly, with Theia's elongated, silvery-reddish form providing a graceful foil to the compact, intensely blue rosette of its sibling. On clean stone or textured driftwood, the silvery shimmer and warm tones of Theia are displayed to best effect.
Bucephalandra Theia is a sophisticated and distinctive variety for collectors who appreciate the subtle differences between closely related Bucephalandra cultivars. Graceful, luminous, and botanically compelling.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Placement | Foreground to Midground |
| Max Height | 2–4 inches |
| Light Level | Low to Moderate |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Optional |
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Notes | Slightly elongated, obovate leaves with a silvery shimmer and green to reddish-brown tones. More upright growth than Blue Theia. Great for contrast in aquascapes. |