Greetings Folks,
I have been curious about the Bucephalandra species for some time... so I figured that I would ask. First and foremost, I was curious what the care requirements (CO2, Fertz, Lighting, etc.,). I could be wrong though it seems the plants are fairly rare and are slow grower. Obviously, I have noticed the price tag is on the high side for plants - what accounts for the cost - rarity, slow growth, or something else. While I find several of the species attractive, I was wondering what other qualities make this plant interesting. I was also wondering, from those with experience growing the species, what species recommendations folks might have... at this time, was considering B. Melawi and B. Sanggau.
Cavin, I (as many do) often refer to APC Plant Finder for fanstastic plant profiles though I did not see a single entry for Bucephalandra... was curious as to the reason.
~Tyger (Michael)~
Bucephalandra - Questions
Bucephalandra - Questions
~Tyger (Michael)~
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis, MD
Re: Bucephalandra - Questions
The biggest quandary with keeping this genus is that pretty much all of them were at one time or still are collected illegally and the people doing the collecting aren't just taking one, but entire populations and wiping them out.
If you do decide to grow one please make sure it is hobbyist grown and avoid overseas transactions.
I suspect these are the reasons Cavan hasn't put them in the plant finder.
If you do decide to grow one please make sure it is hobbyist grown and avoid overseas transactions.
I suspect these are the reasons Cavan hasn't put them in the plant finder.
Re: Bucephalandra - Questions
Aaron,
Wow! It is a shame that people would be so irresponsible in their collecting... how could one in good conscience destory an entire population out of greed. While I am not certain as to the orgins of the original, I am pretty sure (and will make certain) that the plants are local grown by a hobbyist. I understand and respect Cavan's decision though I wonder whether it might not be better to list the plants and write a special end note explaining the plight of the species and encouraging people to purchase from local hobbyists who are growing in their tanks (versus purchasing overseas), etc.,. It is such a widely read resource (APC PlantFinder) that it might actualy help make an impact and encourage fellow hobbyist to be sellective in their purchases. I guess it's a double edge sword though it seems the cat's out of the bag in terms of the plant and educating people and encouraging responsibility might be all we have left at this point.
I assume it is not illegal to purchase or have these plants (especially locally grown from hobbyist). Oh, I'd be happy to donate a leaf to Ghazanfar for tissue culture (if he is interested and/or the plant could be massive cultivated in this fashion)... it could be a way to get enough cultured plants out there that overseas field harvest would not turn the profit it otherwise does.
~Tyger (Michael)~
Wow! It is a shame that people would be so irresponsible in their collecting... how could one in good conscience destory an entire population out of greed. While I am not certain as to the orgins of the original, I am pretty sure (and will make certain) that the plants are local grown by a hobbyist. I understand and respect Cavan's decision though I wonder whether it might not be better to list the plants and write a special end note explaining the plight of the species and encouraging people to purchase from local hobbyists who are growing in their tanks (versus purchasing overseas), etc.,. It is such a widely read resource (APC PlantFinder) that it might actualy help make an impact and encourage fellow hobbyist to be sellective in their purchases. I guess it's a double edge sword though it seems the cat's out of the bag in terms of the plant and educating people and encouraging responsibility might be all we have left at this point.
I assume it is not illegal to purchase or have these plants (especially locally grown from hobbyist). Oh, I'd be happy to donate a leaf to Ghazanfar for tissue culture (if he is interested and/or the plant could be massive cultivated in this fashion)... it could be a way to get enough cultured plants out there that overseas field harvest would not turn the profit it otherwise does.
~Tyger (Michael)~
~Tyger (Michael)~
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis, MD
