Bucephalandra sp. "Theia Compact"

"Theia Compact" is a relatively small, compact Bucephalandra form with impressive coloration. Its species identity and exact origin are unknown to us; as well as other Bucephalandra, it occurs on rock along fast-flowing rainforest streams on Borneo. We propagate this Bucephalandra in our aquaria for more than one year. The growth habit of this Bucephalandra resembles much that of "Biblis Green", apart from its colour. The rhizome branches intensely and grows rather upright under water, creating a dense bushy habit. The leaves are to about 3 cm long, broadly spathulate, obovate to oblanceolate, with short stalk. The leaf edge is slightly wavy, the tip is blunt. The upper sides of the leaves show deeply dark brown-red to brown-green tones, partly with bluish shimmer. to medium green tones. Under water many silvery spots (the stomata) are visible on the upper sides of the leaves. Bucephalandra sp. "Theia Compact" is not demanding, however it looks best with moderate lighting, good CO₂ and nutrient supply and water current. The growth is very slow. This plant is primarily an epiphyte for the hardscape but can also be fixed to the ground (the rhizome not buried!). It is easily propagated by cuttings of the stem tips and branches. With its pleasant, bushy look and very dark colours, this Bucephalandra is interesting for the planting of the hardscape. Larger stands with many heads, grown undisturbed for a longer period, are particularly beautiful.

Bushy, compact growth Very dark tones with bluish shimmer Relatively small leaves

Foreground

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