Black Bucephalandra Plant Care
Bucephalandra sordidula S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Originating from Borneo, this plant's most distinctive visual feature is its deep green, glossy leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and easy care requirements, Bucephalandra sordidula is a stunning addition to any aquarium or terrarium.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
75–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Black Bucephalandra?
Water Black 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 75–85°F (24–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Black Bucephalandra?
Black Bucephalandra (Bucephalandra sordidula) belongs to the Araceae family within the Bucephalandra genus. Black Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. Black Bucephalandra is also known as Bucephalandra Black.
Black Bucephalandra displays a slow-growing rhizomatous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Black Bucephalandra produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Bucephalandra?
Bucephalandra sordidula 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 Black Bucephalandra Need?
Black Bucephalandra thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Black 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 Black Bucephalandra Prefer?
Bucephalandra sordidula grows best at temperatures of 75–85°F. Black Bucephalandra prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
75–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Bucephalandra?
Loose, well-draining substrate like aquatic plant soil or a mix of peat and sand. Good drainage is essential for Black Bucephalandra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black Bucephalandra?
Feed Black 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 Black 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 Black Bucephalandra?
Black 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 Black Bucephalandra Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black 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 Black Bucephalandra?
Black 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 Black Bucephalandra Need?
Black Bucephalandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Black Bucephalandra is native to Kalimantan on Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Black Bucephalandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Black 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.
Black 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 sordidula S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Willdenowia 44: 184 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black 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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