Mini Bucephalandra Plant Care
Bucephalandra kishii S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking metallic silver leaves, Bucephalandra kishii hails from the tropical forests of Borneo. This unique plant has captured the hearts of plant collectors due to its rare and exotic appearance, making it a prized addition to any aquarium or terrarium.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
72–78°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Mini Bucephalandra?
Water Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra?
Mini Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra kishii) belongs to the Araceae family within the Bucephalandra genus. Mini Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. Mini Bucephalandra is also known as Kishii Bucephalandra.
Mini Bucephalandra displays a slow-growing rhizomatous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Mini Bucephalandra produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mini Bucephalandra?
Bucephalandra kishii 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 Mini Bucephalandra Need?
Mini Bucephalandra thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra Prefer?
Bucephalandra kishii grows best at temperatures of 72–78°F. Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra?
Loose, well-draining substrate like aquatic plant soil or a mix of peat and sand. Good drainage is essential for Mini Bucephalandra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mini Bucephalandra?
Feed Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra?
Mini Bucephalandra can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.
Is the Mini Bucephalandra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra?
Mini 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 Mini Bucephalandra Need?
Mini Bucephalandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Mini Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Mini Bucephalandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Mini 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.
Mini Bucephalandra copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bucephalandra kishii S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Willdenowia 44: 173 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mini 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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