Golden Buce Plant Care
Bucephalandra chrysokoupa S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bucephalandra chrysokoupa is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant green leaves with a unique metallic sheen. Originating from the rivers and streams of Borneo, this plant is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and slow growth habit.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
72–78°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Golden Buce?
Water Golden Buce 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Golden Buce?
Golden Buce (Bucephalandra chrysokoupa) belongs to the Araceae family within the Bucephalandra genus. Golden Buce is native to Kalimantan on Borneo.
Golden Buce displays a slow-growing rhizomatous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Golden Buce produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Golden Buce?
Bucephalandra chrysokoupa 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 Golden Buce Need?
Golden Buce thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Golden Buce 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 Golden Buce Prefer?
Bucephalandra chrysokoupa grows best at temperatures of 72–78°F. Golden Buce prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
72–78°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Golden Buce?
Loose, well-draining substrate like aquatic plant soil or a mix of peat and sand. Good drainage is essential for Golden Buce to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Golden Buce?
Feed Golden Buce 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 Golden Buce?
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 Golden Buce?
Golden Buce can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red bucephalandra plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Golden Buce Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Golden Buce, 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 Golden Buce?
Golden Buce 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 Golden Buce Need?
Golden Buce grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Golden Buce is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Golden Buce as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Golden Buce 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.
Golden Buce 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 chrysokoupa S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Willdenowia 44: 161 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Golden Buce, 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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