Bucephalandra sp. ‘Kedagang’ is an exceptionally popular, slow-growing epiphytic aroid native exclusively to the streams and rivers of Borneo. It is highly prized in the aquascaping hobby for its distinct metallic colors, heavily textured appearance, and hardiness, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced aquarium keepers

Key Features:

• Striking Appearance: It displays long, narrow, dark green to bronze leaves with highly crinkled or wavy margins.
• Metallic Iridescence: When grown fully submerged, the upper surface of the leaves develops a mesmerizing blue-violet metallic sheen covered in tiny, silvery-white dots.
• Contrasting Anatomy: The plant features distinct wine-red to bright red rhizomes and young leaf stalks, which contrast beautifully against its dark foliage.
• Growth Form: It features a creeping rhizome that branches out over time to form a tight, dense, multi-headed clump.

Plant Profile:

• Common Name: Buce Kedagang
• Care Level: Easy
• Growth Rate: Very slow (though considered relatively vigorous for a Bucephalandra variety)
• Height: 4–10 cm
• Leaf Size: Around 4–6 cm long and 1–2 cm wide

Tank Parameters & Care Requirements:

• Temperature: 20°C to 28°C
• Water pH: 5.0 to 8.0 (Prefers slightly acidic water, ideally below 7.0)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Lighting: Low to medium. Higher light can intensify the purple and blue coloration but increases the risk of spot algae on its slow-growing leaves.
• CO₂ & Nutrients: Not strictly mandatory, but CO₂ injection and liquid fertilizers heavily improve growth stability, colour richness, and leaf density.
• Water Flow: Prefers gentle, consistent water movement to deliver nutrients and keep its leaves clean of organic debris.

How to Plant & Propagate:

• Never Bury the Rhizome: Do not plant ‘Kedagang’ directly into aquarium soil or sand. Burying the red rhizome causes it to rot and the plant to die.
• Attach to Hardscape: Wedge or fix the plant into crevices, or tie it onto driftwood and rocks using cotton thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe superglue. Over time, its strong root system will naturally anchor itself firmly to the surface.
• Propagation: Simply use sharp, clean aquascaping scissors to cut the creeping rhizome into two or more pieces (ensure each portion has a few leaves and healthy roots), then reattach the new cutting elsewhere.