Tonina sp. 'Belem' care guide
Tonina sp. 'Belem' (Tonina sp. 'Belem') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5-6, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Tonina sp. 'Belem' (Tonina sp. 'Belem') 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 highly sought-after collector plant with dense star-shaped whorls of leaves stacked along the stem. One of the most beautiful and demanding aquarium plants, requiring extremely soft, acidic water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Eriocaulaceae
- Genus: Tonina
- Scientific name: Tonina sp. 'Belem'
- Common synonyms: Star Plant Belem
Habitat
Tonina is a small Neotropical genus of Eriocaulaceae from the Amazon basin and adjacent blackwater systems of South America. The plants grow rooted in mineral-poor, acidic and very soft waters. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Brazil.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5-6
- GH: 0-3 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 20 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
Midground stem with whorls of needle-like leaves. Requires nutrient-rich aquasoil, soft water with low TDS and pressurised CO2 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
Propagated by cuttings; healthy tops replanted into nutrient-rich substrate root within days under stable conditions. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Sudden hardness increase, elevated nitrate or unstable CO2 trigger a slow decline. Soft, acidic blackwater chemistry maintains compact upright growth.