More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | unknown |
| Plant Emersed Growth | no |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | 20°C / 68.00°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-7 kh |
| pH Value | 4.5-7 ph |
| Light | high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 25-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Eriocaulon setaceum, belonging to the Eriocaulaceae family, is a fine-leaved aquatic plant native to South-East Asia and Australia. It features needle-like whitish leaves and tends to grow tall, forming lateral shoots to achieve a bushy appearance. This plant is known for its slow growth rate and delicate nature, requiring specific care to thrive in an aquarium setting.
Aquarium Suitability
Eriocaulon setaceum is classified as difficult to cultivate in aquariums due to its demanding requirements. It necessitates an acidic substrate, soft water (4° dH or below), intense lighting (0.75+ watts per liter), and CO2 injection. Maintaining a balanced nutrient content, particularly ensuring adequate nitrate (5-15 mg/l), phosphate (1-2 mg/l), iron, and micronutrients, is crucial for its health. Some hobbyists create dedicated tanks solely for Eriocaulon species and similar plants to fulfill their specific needs.
Demands and Hardiness
Eriocaulon setaceum demands high light levels, CO2 supplementation, and meticulous nutrient management for optimal growth. It is best suited as a green accent or filler plant in the middle to background of an aquarium setup. With a temperature tolerance range of 20-30°C, this plant is unsuitable for outdoor use in colder climates.
Aquascaping & Usage
Due to its moderate growth rate and unique fine leaves, Eriocaulon setaceum is an excellent choice for Dutch-style tanks or as a striking background or midground plant. Care should be taken when trimming this plant, as it does not respond well to drastic pruning. Propagation is typically done through cuttings, preferably keeping them under 5 cm in length to avoid excessive root growth at the base.
Propagation
Propagation of Eriocaulon setaceum is primarily achieved through cuttings. When trimming becomes necessary, cuttings should be kept relatively short to prevent excessive root development at the lower end. It is advisable to replace the original plant with the cuttings to maintain the aesthetic appeal in the aquarium.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Eriocaulon setaceum thrives in both stagnant and flowing waters in regions of South-East Asia and Australia. It prefers environments with specific water conditions, such as acidic substrates and soft water. The plant's ability to adapt to varying water parameters makes it a sought-after species in aquatic habitats, although it requires meticulous care to ensure its well-being.