Bucephalandra sp. 'Brownie phantom'

Bucephalandra sp. ‘Brownie Phantom’ is a rare and highly ornamental variety of Bucephalandra, valued for its dark, moody coloration and subtle metallic shimmer. Its small, slightly elongated leaves typically display deep brown to near-black tones, often with hints of purple or bronze that shift under aquarium lighting. The “phantom” quality comes from its understated yet iridescent surface, which gives the plant a shadowy, almost glowing appearance when viewed from different angles.

Like all Bucephalandra, it grows from a creeping rhizome and should be attached to hardscape such as driftwood, rocks, or décor rather than planted in substrate. It forms compact clusters over time, making it excellent for accent placement in aquascapes where fine detail and contrast are desired. Its slow growth ensures it remains tidy and low-maintenance once established.

This plant performs best in stable, mature aquariums. While it can survive in low-tech setups, moderate lighting, consistent nutrient availability, and CO₂ supplementation will significantly enhance its coloration and overall vigor. It may experience some leaf loss (“melting”) when first introduced, but typically recovers as it adapts to the new environment.

Care Information:

• Tank Size: Any (ideal for nano to medium aquariums)
• Lighting: Low to medium (moderate light enhances color and shimmer)
• CO₂: Not required, but recommended for best growth and coloration
• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Placement: Attach to wood, rock, or décor (do not bury rhizome)
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Care Level: Moderate
• Propagation: Rhizome division

Summary: A dark, elegant Bucephalandra with subtle metallic shimmer—perfect for adding depth, contrast, and a refined accent to planted aquascapes.