Eriocaulon Cinereum Caresheet

Eriocaulon cinereum is a very attractive plant among the aquarium enthusiasts due to its gorgeous coloration and hardiness. It is also commonly known as Ashy pipeworts.  It is native to South-East Asia where it grows in rice filed, Marshes, blogs and swamps under emerged condition. It has now been introduced into the south of the USA, Northern Italy, Africa and Australia. It has proven its value as an aquarium plant in the last few years.

Eriocaulon cinereum is submerged aquatic annual plant. It can grow up to 8 cm in height and due to its small size it is an ideal as a foreground plant.  The leaves are bright green in color with 2-8 cm long and 1-2 mm wide. The leaves are linear and sessile with entire margins and parallel venation. It has a large root system which may reach the triple length of the leaves. It produces white funnel-shaped flowers during the period from July to September under suitable condition. The funnel-shaped flowers make it more attractive as foreground of the high-tech aquarium. It can easily propagate under aquarium condition with proper care when the plant reaches maturity

Scientific name: Eriocaulon cinereum

Common name: Ashy pipewort

Origin: South East Asia

Placement: Mid-ground, Foreground

Propagation: Division or Segmentation

Size:  3-8 cm (1-3 inch)

Water pH: 6.0-8.0

Water Hardness: 4.0-8.0 dGH

Temperature: 68-82 0F(20-28 0C)

Lighting: Strong

Growth: Slow

Care level: Medium

Eriocaulon cinereum was described by Robert Brown in 1810. It belongs to the family Eriocaulaceae (Pipewort Family) under order Poales of Angiosperm groups. There are 495 species under genus ‘Eriocaulon’, among them Eriocaulon cinereum is the most favorable aquarium plant to the pet fish keepers. The genus name ‘Eriocaulon’ is derived from Greek ‘Erion’ meaning ‘wool’ and ‘caulos’ meaning ‘stalk’. It is listed as least concern due to its high population in its natural habitat.

Eriocaulon cinereum is one of the most favorite aquatic plant due to its greenish coloration and easy to care for.  It requires a nutrient rich substrate with at least 3 inches deep due to its large root system. It generally prefers acidic base substrate. In this case Flora Base, Aqua soil is recommended. It does also well in Eco Complete with a little peat. The tank should have plenty of nitrate, phosphate, iron and calcium supplementation. Calcium supplementation should be done through the substrate with a tablet or through the water column with calcium carbonate. For optimum growth lighting intensity should be high with 2-3 watts per gallon of water using full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs for 12 hours daily. In lower lighting conditions, the leaves grow slowly but in higher light the leaves develop into a bright green color. It also needs CO2 fertilization for proper growth. When CO2 supply is good, the center of the leaf rosette assumes a golden hue. It requires clean and good water chemistry with a pH of 6.0-8.0, hardness of 4-8 dGH and a temperature of 68-820F(20-28 0C). The tank should have a constant flow of water to ensure good mechanical filtration. The plant does not like the deposition of pollen and algae growth on the leaves. To keep your tank environment clean and healthy 10-20 % water should be changed regular basis to prevent pollen deposition and algae growth over the leaves.

Eriocaulon cinereum is a very architectural plant which produces a dense rosette of narrow, bright green leaves and create more attractive features among the aquarium enthusiasts.  Due to its small stature it is an excellent alternative plant for the foreground. Its unique green urchin appearance makes it suitable for creating areas of interest in any layout. It is now available in local pet fish store and online vendor. You may buy this attractive plant with reasonable price online from home, look below online vendor and ask them the details to supply.

Propagation can be done easily under aquarium condition with proper care. When the plant reaches maturity, it is the proper time to propagate. The mature plant produces new plants around the crown or along the stem. It can also produce new plants from its tentacles or drum stick. During propagation, cut the part where the parent and daughter plant are connected using a sharp razor blade or a pair of scissors and pull the plants apart carefully. It also does sexual reproduction through flowers and seed production. For the proper growth of new plants, the tank should have an instant supply of light, regular additions of CO2, iron rich fertilizer and trace elements.

In the market for some Eriocaulon cinereum? well we are now selling it right here on Aquatic Mag. You can can also get a 10% off discount just by sharing this post.

Aquarium Plants

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