Bucephalandra sp. "Braun-red" ("Serimbu")

About this plant

Bucephalandra sp. "Serimbu Brown" is an established aquarium trade form originating from the Serimbu area of West Kalimantan on Borneo. It has historically circulated under several names, including Braun-red Serimbu and related brown-red trade labels. Older horticultural sources sometimes associated this plant with Bucephalandra motleyana, but the trade form should be retained as Bucephalandra sp. unless a reliable species determination is available. Like other members of the genus, it is a rheophytic aroid adapted to growing attached to rock in the flood zones of fast-flowing rainforest streams. The plant develops a creeping rhizome and slowly forms groups of brown, reddish and dark-green leaves. It is primarily used as an epiphyte on stone or driftwood in the foreground and midground. Low light is sufficient, while moderate lighting, stable CO2, good water movement and complete nutrient supply generally produce denser growth and better coloration. The rhizome must not be buried. Propagation is straightforward by dividing the rhizome or cutting off established daughter shoots.