Syngonanthus Macrocaulon care guide
Syngonanthus Macrocaulon (Syngonanthus macrocaulon) — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 4.5-6, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Syngonanthus Macrocaulon (Syngonanthus macrocaulon) is an aquatic plant of the family Eriocaulaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an advanced-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A rare and challenging stem plant with whorled crowns of narrow leaves that resemble miniature palm trees. Requires extremely soft, acidic water with very low hardness, making it one of the most demanding plants in the aquarium hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Eriocaulaceae
- Genus: Syngonanthus
- Scientific name: Syngonanthus macrocaulon
- Common synonyms: Giant Pipewort
Habitat
Syngonanthus is a Neotropical genus of Eriocaulaceae from tropical wetlands of South America, where many species occupy nutrient-poor, mineral-soft, acidic blackwater habitats. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6
- GH: 0-3 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 20 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
Midground accent forming a yellow-green rosette. Requires nutrient-rich aquasoil, CO2 and soft water for sustained submersed growth. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Multiplies by side shoots from the rosette base, separated and replanted once they have their own roots. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Highly sensitive to elevated nitrate and hard water; chronic exposure leads to slow decline. Soft, low-TDS water with measured CO2 maintains the species long-term.