Stoffels Bucephalandra brownie ‘Ghost Ulu Kapus’

The Bucephalandra brownie ‘Ghost Ulu Kapus’ is a captivating aquatic plant known for its shimmering, dark leaves with striking iridescent blue or silver highlights. This plant is native to the rivers and streams of Borneo and adds a unique touch to aquascapes with its subtle, ghostly glow. It thrives best when attached to hardscapes like rocks or driftwood, where it slowly grows, providing a beautiful focal point or accent in the aquarium.

Key Features:

• Iridescent Dark Leaves: The leaves of Bucephalandra ‘Ghost Ulu Kapus’ have an enchanting dark hue that can appear bluish or silvery depending on the lighting, creating a mystical effect in the aquarium.
• Compact and Hardy: This plant has a compact growth form, making it ideal for adding texture and interest in the midground or foreground, especially when attached to hardscape elements.
• Low Light Tolerance: Bucephalandra is well-known for its ability to grow in low to medium light, making it perfect for low-tech aquariums or shaded areas of a tank.
• Slow Growth: Like most Bucephalandra species, it grows slowly, which means it requires minimal maintenance but benefits from nutrient-rich water and stable conditions.

Care Requirements:

• Lighting: Bucephalandra ‘Ghost Ulu Kapus’ thrives under low to medium lighting conditions. Excessive light can promote algae growth on its leaves, so indirect lighting is best for maintaining the plant’s health and appearance.
• CO2: While not necessary, CO2 supplementation can boost the plant’s growth rate and enhance the coloration of its leaves. However, it will still grow well in low-tech, non-CO2 setups.
• Water Parameters: This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 22-28°C. It does well in stable conditions and benefits from a nutrient-rich environment.
• Trimming: Minimal trimming is required due to its slow growth rate. However, older or damaged leaves can be removed to keep the plant healthy.

Planting Tips:

• Attach Bucephalandra ‘Ghost Ulu Kapus’ to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape features using thread or fishing line until it anchors itself naturally. Avoid burying the rhizome in the substrate, as this can lead to rot.
• Place the plant in areas of the aquarium where it can receive gentle water flow, which helps prevent debris buildup and keeps the leaves looking clean.
• The iridescent leaves add a unique focal point in shaded areas of the tank, creating a beautiful, subtle glow when light catches the plant from different angles.