Devil's Bucephalandra Plant Care
Bucephalandra diabolica S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking dark green and almost black leaves that have a unique metallic sheen, this plant originates from the rainforests of Borneo. Plant collectors are drawn to Bucephalandra diabolica for its rare and visually captivating appearance, making it a coveted addition to any aquatic plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
75–82°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Devil's Bucephalandra?
Water Devil's 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 75–82°F (24–28°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Devil's Bucephalandra?
Devil's Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra diabolica) belongs to the Araceae family within the Bucephalandra genus. Devil's Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. Devil's Bucephalandra is also known as Satan's Bucephalandra.
Devil's Bucephalandra displays a slow-growing rhizomatous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Devil's Bucephalandra produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Devil's Bucephalandra?
Bucephalandra diabolica 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 Devil's Bucephalandra Need?
Devil's Bucephalandra thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Devil's 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 Devil's Bucephalandra Prefer?
Bucephalandra diabolica grows best at temperatures of 75–82°F. Devil's Bucephalandra prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
75–82°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Devil's Bucephalandra?
Loose, well-draining substrate like aquatic plant soil or a mix of peat and sand. Good drainage is essential for Devil's Bucephalandra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Devil's Bucephalandra?
Feed Devil's 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 Devil's 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 Devil's Bucephalandra?
Devil's Bucephalandra can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red bucephalandra plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Devil's Bucephalandra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Devil's 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 Devil's Bucephalandra?
Devil's 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 Devil's Bucephalandra Need?
Devil's Bucephalandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Devil's Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Devil's Bucephalandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Devil's 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.
Devil's 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 diabolica S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Willdenowia 44: 163 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Devil's 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 11a – 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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