Troubleshooting
Bucephalandra 'Brownie Ghost' problems — and how to fix them
Bucephalandra 'Brownie Ghost' (Bucephalandra 'Brownie Ghost') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rhizome rot from burial
Burying the rhizome in substrate rots it; keep it exposed and glued only to hardscape, exactly as with Anubias.
Melt after acclimation
Newly imported buce often melts leaves while adapting to submersion; keep the rhizome firm and healthy and new leaves regrow from it.
Algae on slow leaves
Extremely slow growth makes leaves prone to spot and brush algae; moderate the light, keep flow steady and consider gentle CO2.
Liquid-carbon damage
Overdosing glutaraldehyde-based liquid carbon can bleach or kill Bucephalandra; dose conservatively or rely on CO2 instead.
Prevent bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' problems before they start
Most bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' in general rather than its problems? Read the full bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bucephalandra 'Brownie Ghost' problems — FAQ
Why is my bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' rhizome rot from burial?
Burying the rhizome in substrate rots it; keep it exposed and glued only to hardscape, exactly as with Anubias.
Why is my bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' melt after acclimation?
Newly imported buce often melts leaves while adapting to submersion; keep the rhizome firm and healthy and new leaves regrow from it.
Why is my bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' algae on slow leaves?
Extremely slow growth makes leaves prone to spot and brush algae; moderate the light, keep flow steady and consider gentle CO2.
Why is my bucephalandra 'brownie ghost' liquid-carbon damage?
Overdosing glutaraldehyde-based liquid carbon can bleach or kill Bucephalandra; dose conservatively or rely on CO2 instead.