PlantLab › Plants › Bucephalandra 'Theia'

Epiphyte · Beginner friendly

Bucephalandra 'Theia'

Bucephalandra sp.

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✦ DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

☀ LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

≈ CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

↗ GROWTH Very Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Bucephalandra 'Theia'

A popular buce with dark leaves and violet sheen.

Theia' is a widely-loved Bucephalandra with elongated dark green leaves that show a purple-blue iridescence and white spotting. Slow, compact and undemanding, it's an excellent introduction to the genus on wood or rock.

Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable

CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

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TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementEpiphyte

Typical height2–5 in

Typical width4 in

Suggested minimum tank5 gal

Suggested tank height8 in+

☀

LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate

Photoperiod range8–11 hr

Approx. PAR20–55

Injected CO₂Recommended

CO₂ benefitModerate

●

NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow

Water-column feedingModerate

Overall fertilizer demandModerate

Iron demandModerate

MicronutrientsModerate

≈

WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature72–82°F

pH6–7.8

GH2–15 dGH

KH1–12 dKH

PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Attach to wood or rock; do not bury the rhizome

Hardscape: Can be attached to rock or wood.

Do not bury the rhizome. Keep the rhizome exposed to reduce the risk of rot.

Tie or glue the rhizome to hardscape; burying it causes rot.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Acclimation

Very hardy; new leaves may take weeks. Old leaves can be trimmed if algae-covered.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Rhizome rot if buried; slow growth invites algae on older leaves.

KEEP EXPLORING

Plants with similar growing conditions.

Matched from the PlantLab database using light, CO₂, difficulty, feeding demand and placement.

Aquarium Plant Fertlizer

Bucephalandra 'Theia'

About Bucephalandra 'Theia'

What this plant needs.

Placement + size

Energy demand

Where it feeds

Useful parameter range

How to plant it.

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Acclimation

What usually goes wrong.

Plants with similar growing conditions.

Bucephalandra 'Green Wavy'

Bucephalandra 'Red Mini'

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Pellia

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Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact'