Syngonanthus 'Ruby' Care Guide
Syngonanthus 'Ruby' is a demanding red eriocaulon-like rosette plant of the Eriocaulaceae family that needs very soft, acidic water and CO2.
Overview
Syngonanthus 'Ruby' is a demanding eriocaulon-like rosette plant with red leaves arranged in a star shape. Like other members of the pipewort family, it requires very soft, acidic water with CO2 and an acidic nutrient-rich substrate, and is considered an advanced plant. Sufficient iron is important to maintain coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Eriocaulaceae
- Genus: Syngonanthus
- Scientific name: Syngonanthus sp. 'Ruby'
Habitat
The genus Syngonanthus belongs to the pipewort family Eriocaulaceae and is native to tropical Africa and Latin America, from Mexico and Cuba south to Argentina. Many species grow in moist, acidic soils and soft blackwater habitats. 'Ruby' is a cultivated aquascaping selection within this genus.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (intense lighting required, around 1 watt per liter)
- CO2: required
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.5
- GH: 1-6 °dGH (soft water; KH and GH ideally not over 5)
- Growth rate: slow
- Maximum height: about 10 cm
Placement
The red rosette is used as a midground accent and is highly valued in aquascaping. It needs a slightly acidic, nutrient-rich substrate such as aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagation is by adventitious plantlets; the genus is generally propagated by replanting the uppermost section of stems or by separating plantlets.