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Eriocaulon setaceum
Eriocaulon setaceum
An exquisite, needle-leaved plant native to the pristine marshes of Asia and Australia. Demands extremely intense lighting and generous CO2 to survive and flourish.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Poales
Family:Eriocaulaceae
Genus:Eriocaulon
Species:Eriocaulon setaceum
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Water Temperature
20 - 30 °C
pH Value
4.5 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Light
High
CO2
High
GH
0 - 10 dGH
KH
0 - 7 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the tropical regions of Asia and Australia. It grows primarily in stagnant and clear waters of oligotrophic marshes and ponds under high light, often on very acidic peaty substrates.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Eriocaulaceae family, genus Eriocaulon. It is one of the few species in this genus to develop a climbing or erect stem habit rather than a classic basal rosette.
Physical Structure: Erect stem densely covered by very fine needle-like leaves radiating 360 degrees. On the top, it develops a compact tuft reminiscent of a soft plant brush.
Color & Texture: Bright light green color, sometimes with whitish hues in the apical growth point. The texture is incredibly fine and delicate, offering an extraordinary contrast with broad-leaved plants.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Requires extremely intense lighting. Constant and generous CO2 supply is an absolute limiting factor for the survival of this plant.
Nutrition & Substrate: Needs an acidic and fertilized substrate (aquasoil). Liquid fertilization must be regular, with special attention to iron and potassium.
Water Chemistry: Requires extremely soft (KH 0-2) and highly acidic water (pH 4.5-6.5). Sensitive to any accumulation of carbonate hardness. Optimal temperature between 20 and 30 °C.
Space Management & Placement: Place in the midground or background. Needs good water circulation around it to prevent dirt accumulation between the leaves.
Pruning: Pruning is done by cutting the apical part and replanting it. It is advisable to handle the stems with extreme gentleness to avoid damaging them.
Risks & Diseases: It is considered one of the most difficult plants in the aquarium hobby. Any deviation from the described chemical parameters can lead to immediate decay and melting of the stems.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widespread in the tropical regions of Asia and Australia. It grows primarily in stagnant and clear waters of oligotrophic marshes and ponds under high light, often on very acidic peaty substrates.
Origin
South and Southeast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
