Tonina Fluviatilis (Tonina fluviatilis) Care Guide

An exotic stem plant with star-shaped rosettes of narrow leaves at each node, giving it a highly decorative appearance.

Overview

Tonina fluviatilis is an aquatic plant in the family Eriocaulaceae. An exotic stem plant with star-shaped rosettes of narrow leaves at each node, giving it a highly decorative appearance. Requires very soft acidic water and high CO2 — one of the most challenging aquarium plants to cultivate successfully.

Taxonomy

Family: Eriocaulaceae
Genus: Tonina
Scientific name: Tonina fluviatilis
Other names: Star Plant

Habitat

Native to the Amazon basin in South America, where it grows in soft, acidic blackwater habitats with very low mineral content. Wild populations are restricted to specific Rio Negro tributaries with stable water chemistry.

Growth requirements

Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 4.5-6.5
GH: 0-4 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
Nutrient demand: high
Growth rate: slow
Difficulty: advanced

Placement

Recommended placement: midground
Maximum height: 25 cm
Trim every: 21 days

Propagation

In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).