{"product_id":"bucephalandra-dark-velvet","title":"Bucephalandra 'Dark Velvet'","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBucephalandra 'Dark Velvet' Aquarium Plant\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBucephalandra 'Dark Velvet' is a striking Bucephalandra variety, admired for its rich, velvety dark foliage and compact growth habit. Its deep tones and subtle iridescent sheen make it an outstanding choice for aquascapers looking to create contrast, depth and a premium look within their planted aquarium. Hardy and easy to care for, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBucephalandra 'Dark Velvet' produces slender, slightly wavy leaves in deep shades of dark green to almost black. Under aquarium lighting, the foliage can develop subtle blue, purple and bronze iridescent highlights, giving the leaves a luxurious velvet-like appearance. As the plant matures, it forms dense clumps that provide beautiful contrast against lighter green plants and natural hardscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLighting \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBucephalandra 'Dark Velvet' thrives in \u003cstrong\u003elow to medium lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e conditions and does not require CO₂ injection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike most Bucephalandra species, it is a \u003cstrong\u003eslow-growing\u003c\/strong\u003e plant that requires very little maintenance. While CO₂ is not essential, additional CO₂ and regular fertilisation will encourage healthier growth, improved leaf development and enhanced iridescent colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant should \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e be buried in substrate. Instead, attach it to rocks, driftwood or other hardscape using aquarium-safe glue or thread. Over time, the rhizome will naturally attach itself to the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts dramatic dark foliage makes it ideal for creating focal points within the aquascape, particularly when positioned alongside bright green mosses, carpeting plants or lighter-coloured Bucephalandra varieties. It is equally effective in nature aquariums, jungle layouts and nano aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Plant Key Information:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foreground to Midground (on hardscape)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–8cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Demand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low–Medium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optional\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borneo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy choose Bucephalandra 'Dark Velvet'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich, velvety dark foliage with subtle iridescent highlights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for attaching to wood and rock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreates striking contrast and depth within the aquascape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent focal point for nature aquariums and nano tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow-growing and easy to maintain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for both low-tech and high-tech planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"horizon aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58370089025910,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0266\/5843\/9225\/files\/darkvelvet.png?v=1785423044","url":"https:\/\/www.horizonaquatics.co.uk\/products\/bucephalandra-dark-velvet","provider":"horizon aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}