Tonina fluviatilis 'Lotus Blossom' Care Guide

Tonina fluviatilis 'Lotus Blossom' is a demanding South American stem plant of the pipewort family that needs very soft acidic water, high light and CO2.

Overview

Tonina fluviatilis 'Lotus Blossom' is a stem plant in the pipewort family, sometimes called star grass. It carries whorled, lanceolate leaves roughly 1-1.5 cm long along thin branched stems and shows a fresh light-green colour with a slight silvery sheen underwater. It is regarded as a demanding, non-beginner plant.

Taxonomy

Family: Eriocaulaceae
Genus: Tonina
Scientific name: Tonina fluviatilis
Trade form: 'Lotus Blossom'

Habitat

Tonina fluviatilis occurs in slow-flowing blackwater rivers and rivulets from Mexico through Central America to northern South America. These waters are soft, acidic and low in dissolved minerals.

Tank requirements

Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 5.0-6.5
GH: 0-4 °dGH (very soft preferred)
KH: 0-8 °dKH
Lighting: high
CO2: required (~20-30 mg/L)
Placement: midground
Height: 10-30 cm

Cultivation

Stable, very soft acidic water is the key requirement, with total hardness around 5 or below. High-intensity light prevents leggy growth, while CO2 injection sustains vigour and colour in otherwise nutrient-poor conditions. An acidic, nutrient-rich substrate supports rooting. Growth speed is medium to slow.

Propagation

Propagated from cuttings: healthy side shoots or stem tops are trimmed and replanted into the substrate, where they form their own roots.