Ideal for Nature Aquarium and contrast-focused layouts
Its reflective leaves create variation without adding visual clutter.
Suitable for intermediate and advanced aquascapers
Performs best under stable lighting and clean conditions.
Subtle metallic leaf appearance
Light reflection creates dynamic highlights across the plant surface.
Adds visual depth without increasing plant mass
Enhances layout complexity through light interaction.
Maintains controlled growth pattern
Expands slowly while keeping a clean and balanced appearance.
Origin: Borneo (Kalimantan region)
Type: Rhizome plant
Growth Rate: Slow
Size: Height: 4–8 cm (1.5–3 in) Width: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
Natural Habitat: Bucephalandra “Silver Powder” grows attached to rocks and driftwood in shaded tropical streams, where filtered light and steady current allow gradual development and surface adaptation.
Special Considerations: Moderate lighting enhances the reflective leaf surface, while excessive light without balance may reduce visual clarity. Do not bury the rhizome. Stable water conditions help maintain consistent leaf appearance.
Did You Know? The metallic “silver” effect is caused by microscopic surface structure on the leaves that reflects light differently depending on angle and intensity, making the plant appear to change tone throughout the day.
Tank Size: Suitable for aquariums 20 L (5 gallons) or larger
Plant Placement: Best used as a midground accent attached to rocks or driftwood where light can reach the leaf surface at an angle. Works well near open areas or along hardscape edges to maximize light reflection. Pairs effectively with deeper green plants such as Anubias barteri and Bucephalandra “Belindae”, while red stems like Alternanthera reineckii “Mini”, Ludwigia repens “Rubin”, and Rotala rotundifolia “Orange Juice” enhance contrast. Mosses such as Taxiphyllum barbieri (Java moss) or Taxiphyllum sp. “Flame moss” can soften transitions and increase natural texture.
Compatibility: Suitable for aquariums including rummy nose tetras, neon tetras, pearl danios, kubotai rasboras, and Corydoras sterbai, along with shrimp such as Amano shrimp and yellow goldenback shrimp. Under angled lighting, the plant reflects movement from schooling fish, while shrimp utilize the rhizome and leaf surfaces for natural grazing.
Substrate: Rhizome should not be buried; attach to rocks or driftwood
Light: Low to medium (20–50 PAR) for 6–8 hours daily
Temperature: 20–27 °C (68–80 °F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3–12 dGH)
CO₂: Not required, but improves leaf clarity and growth consistency
Care & Propagation: Growth is slow and stable under consistent conditions. Over time, the rhizome produces additional growth points. Propagate by dividing the rhizome into sections with healthy leaves and roots.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected rhizome cluster 6x6cm in 3.25oz cup, ready for aquarium placement
Plant Size Plants are typically 3–6 cm (1–2.5 in) tall depending on growth stage
Plant Type Rhizome plant suitable for attachment to hardscape
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe
Plants are grown without chemicals harmful to fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free
Transition After Shipping
Some older leaves may change appearance as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. New submerged growth will develop under stable conditions
Planting Guide
- Remove the protective plastic packaging
- Rinse the plant gently with clean water
- Attach the plant to rock or driftwood using glue or thread
- Ensure the rhizome remains above the substrate
- Place where light can reach the leaves at an angle
Tip
Position near open space or darker background to maximize the reflective effect of the leaves.
Aquascaping tweezers or scissors from your aquascaping tool set make it easier to position plants and adjust surrounding growth without disturbing the layout.
