Bucephalandra Apple Leaf

Bucephalandra Apple Leaf

Bucephalandra Apple Leaf is a compact foreground variety featuring wide, slightly ruffled leaves with subtle red tones that together create a soft, rounded appearance reminiscent of an apple's form — a botanical reference that perfectly captures the broad, gently curved quality of the foliage. The subtle redness in the leaves adds warm color interest to the overall green character of the plant, creating a warm yet understated botanical presence in the aquascape.

Planting tip: Bucephalandra Apple Leaf 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 Bucephalandra from Indonesia, Apple Leaf 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 medium lighting with optional CO₂ supplementation. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 provide comfortable growing conditions. Like all Bucephalandra, Apple Leaf can produce small, delicate white flowers both underwater and above the waterline.

Growing to 2 to 4 inches, Apple Leaf is suited to foreground placement on driftwood and stone. Regular liquid fertilization, particularly with iron-containing micronutrient formulas, supports the development of the subtle red tones. Medium lighting brings out the warmest and most appealing expression of the leaf coloration.

In the aquascape, Bucephalandra Apple Leaf provides warm, rounded form in the foreground that creates a gentle, organic quality in the overall composition. The wide, slightly ruffled leaves create excellent texture contrast alongside fine-leaved plants and smooth-surfaced stones. The subtle red tones pair naturally with warmer-toned hardscape materials and wood.

Bucephalandra Apple Leaf is a warm, gently beautiful variety that brings soft color and organic form to the planted aquarium foreground. Rounded, subtly reddish, and reliably appealing in any planted tank.

Care & Specifications