Red Bucephalandra Plant Care
Bucephalandra chimaera S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bucephalandra chimaera is known for its striking red and green variegated leaves that have a unique wavy shape. Originating from the rivers of Borneo, this plant thrives in submerged conditions and is highly sought after by aquarists for its vibrant colors and slow growth rate.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
72–78°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Bucephalandra?
Water Red Bucephalandra every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 72–78°F (22–26°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Red Bucephalandra?
Red Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra chimaera) belongs to the Araceae family within the Bucephalandra genus. Red Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. Red Bucephalandra is also known as Chimaera Bucephalandra.
Red Bucephalandra displays a slow-growing rhizomatous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Red Bucephalandra produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Bucephalandra?
Bucephalandra chimaera requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Bucephalandra Need?
Red Bucephalandra thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Red Bucephalandra in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Bucephalandra Prefer?
Bucephalandra chimaera grows best at temperatures of 72–78°F. Red Bucephalandra prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
72–78°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Bucephalandra?
Loose, well-draining substrate like aquatic plant soil or a mix of peat and sand. Good drainage is essential for Red Bucephalandra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Bucephalandra?
Feed Red Bucephalandra every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red Bucephalandra?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red Bucephalandra?
Red Bucephalandra can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to golden buce plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Bucephalandra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red Bucephalandra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Bucephalandra?
Red Bucephalandra is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Bucephalandra Need?
Red Bucephalandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Red Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Red Bucephalandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Red Bucephalandra is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bucephalandra genus — compare its care with other Bucephalandra species on PlantoScan.
Bucephalandra is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Red Bucephalandra copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Bucephalandra Species
Other Bucephalandra species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bucephalandra chimaera S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Willdenowia 44: 159 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Bucephalandra, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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