Bucephalandra mini phantom
Bucephalandra mini phantom
Bucephalandra mini phantom is a small, slow-growing variety with a quietly compelling character — leaves that deepen in color and quality with the addition of CO₂, revealing the plant's full potential in enriched, well-maintained conditions. The phantom in its name hints at this color-shifting quality: the plant reveals more of its true appearance as conditions improve, rewarding patient, attentive aquarists with increasingly impressive depth and character over time.
Planting tip: Bucephalandra mini phantom 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.
Like all Bucephalandra from Indonesia, mini phantom can be planted with the rhizome resting at the substrate surface or attached to rock or wood at any height in the aquarium. Never fully bury the rhizome. While CO₂ is not required, color deepens noticeably with CO₂ supplementation — making this variety particularly rewarding in CO₂-enriched setups. Medium lighting supports healthy growth, and temperatures between 72 and 82°F with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide ideal conditions. Like all Bucephalandra, mini phantom can produce small, delicate white flowers both underwater and above the waterline.
Growing to 2 to 4 inches, mini phantom is suited to foreground and attached hardscape placement. Regular liquid fertilization maintains health and supports the development of the deeper color quality that this variety can achieve in well-maintained conditions.
In the aquascape, Bucephalandra mini phantom is an interesting choice for aquarists who run CO₂-supplemented systems and want to see the full potential of a variable Bucephalandra. Placed on featured hardscape in the foreground or midground, it develops into an increasingly rich specimen as the aquascape matures.
Bucephalandra mini phantom is a plant that rewards investment in aquarium technique. Simple to keep, but increasingly spectacular with proper care.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Placement | Foreground |
| Max Height | 2–4 inches |
| Light Level | Moderate |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Optional |
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Notes | Slow-growing rhizome plant. Best attached to rock or wood. Color deepens with CO₂. |
