Plant comparison
Bucephalandra (mixed) vs Riccia Fluitans
How the Bucephalandra (mixed) and Riccia Fluitans compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Bucephalandra (mixed) vs Riccia Fluitans
The Bucephalandra (mixed) and the Riccia Fluitans come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Bucephalandra (mixed) is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Bucephalandra (mixed)22–28 °C
- Riccia Fluitans20–28 °C
pH
- Bucephalandra (mixed)6–7.5
- Riccia Fluitans6–8
Hardness
- Bucephalandra (mixed)2–10 dGH
- Riccia Fluitans1–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantBucephalandra (mixed)Bucephalandra sp. |  PlantRiccia FluitansRiccia fluitans |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Borneo (rheophytic) | Cosmopolitan |
| Family | Araceae | Ricciaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 1–15 |
| Flow rate | Medium to High | Low |
| Max height | 5–20 cm | 1–3 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Optional | Recommended |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Bucephalandra (mixed) and Riccia Fluitans together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Bucephalandra (mixed) or the Riccia Fluitans?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Bucephalandra (mixed) and Riccia Fluitans need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Bucephalandra (mixed) and the Riccia Fluitans?
Placement and light. The Bucephalandra (mixed) works as foreground or midground, the Riccia Fluitans as foreground or floating, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.