Bucephalandra sp. Mandau
$18.00
The Mandau River Jewel
Bucephalandra sp. ‘Mandau’ is a rare aquatic and semi-aquatic plant from Borneo (Kalimantan), highly valued for its compact size, textured leaves, and subtle metallic sheen. Naturally found along riverbanks and rocky streams, this plant brings a clean, natural jungle-river look to aquariums and paludariums. It is a favorite among collectors who enjoy small but character-rich plants.
How It Grows
This plant grows from a creeping rhizome, slowly spreading across rocks or wood. It remains small and compact, making it ideal for foreground or midground placement in aquariums.
The Leaves
The leaves are small, thick, and slightly textured.
Color: dark green to bluish-green
Surface: subtle metallic or silvery sheen under light
Shape: oval to slightly elongated
The leaves create a rich, polished appearance even in low light.
Light Needs
It prefers low to medium light.
Too much light may cause algae on leaves
Soft light brings out leaf texture and sheen
Water & Aquarium Conditions
This plant is adaptable and hardy.
Grows best attached to rocks or driftwood
Does not like its rhizome buried
Benefits from clean, well-oxygenated water
CO₂ is optional but can improve growth
Growing Environment
Suitable for freshwater aquariums, paludariums, or emersed setups.
Stable water parameters are important
Slow growth is normal
Care Level
This is a low to medium-care aquatic plant.
Suitable for beginners
Very forgiving once established
Handling Note
Avoid burying the rhizome and frequent repositioning. Once attached and settled, the plant grows slowly and steadily with minimal maintenance.
