You will receive 3 to 4 rhizomes
The 'Apple Leaf' is a popular, easy-to-care-for variety of the aquarium plant
Bucephalandra, known for its small, rounded, deep green to bluish leaves. It is a slow-growing epiphyte ideal for attaching to hardscape like driftwood or rocks in an aquarium.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Features small, rounded, apple-shaped leaves that are primarily green but can develop blue or reddish hues under different lighting. The leaves often have a slightly speckled or iridescent appearance.
- Growth Habit: It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on surfaces rather than being rooted in the substrate.
- Size: A compact and relatively small species, typically reaching about 1 inch in height.
- Origin of Name: The "Apple Leaf" name is a trade name based on the shape of its leaves, as many Bucephalandra species found in the hobby have not yet received formal scientific names. It is native to Borneo, where it grows along the banks of streams and rivers.
Care and Conditions
- Difficulty: Considered an easy, low-maintenance plant suitable for beginners.
- Lighting: Thrives in low to medium light conditions.
- Placement: Best placed in the foreground or midground of an aquarium, attached to hardscape (wood or stone) using glue or string.
- Planting Notes: Crucially, do not bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem), as this will cause it to rot and melt.
- CO₂: While not strictly necessary in a low-tech setup, CO₂ injection is beneficial for promoting faster growth and more vibrant coloration.
- Water Parameters: Prefers stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 68–80°F or 20–27°C) and good water flow.
- Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section has some healthy leaves and roots.
