Propagating Tonina fluviatilis 'Lotus Blossom'

How to propagate the advanced star plant Tonina fluviatilis 'Lotus Blossom' from side shoots and replanted tops in very soft, acidic, CO2-rich aquariums.

Overview

Tonina fluviatilis belongs to the family Eriocaulaceae and is a hydroshrub native to southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. In the aquarium it grows as an upright stem topped with whorls of fine lance-shaped leaves, and it is widely regarded as difficult to keep. The 'Lotus Blossom' form carries the same demanding requirements: it only thrives in very soft, acidic water with strong light and abundant CO2.

Propagation Method

Tonina is multiplied vegetatively. With rich CO2, strong light and fertilizers the stem grows fairly quickly and forms lateral side shoots. The two practical routes are taking these side shoots once they have several leaf whorls, and topping the main stem to replant the cut head while the base re-sprouts.

Step-by-Step

Let a healthy stem grow tall without cutting so it sprouts a side shoot.
Once a side shoot has several whorls of leaves, detach it at its base, or cut the top 6-8 cm of a vigorous main stem.
Strip the lowest whorl of leaves from the cutting to expose a clean node.
Plant the cutting into nutrient-rich aquasoil so the bare node sits just under the surface.
Keep CO2 and light high; the replanted top forms new roots while the trimmed base pushes fresh side shoots.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Carbonate hardness (KH) below 2; many keepers use filtered rainwater or RO.
pH 6.5 or lower, kept stable.
High, consistent CO2 injection at substrate level.
Strong lighting with no shading from neighbouring plants.
Nutrient-rich, acidic aquasoil substrate.

Trimming & Maintenance

Top the stems before they reach the surface to encourage bushy side-shoot growth, and replant the tops to thicken a group. Make small, frequent water changes using the same soft, acidic water so that KH and pH never swing.

Common Challenges

Tonina is unforgiving of unstable water. Even small water changes with hard tap water can kill it, and browning or melting tips are the typical warning sign that KH or pH has risen. Insufficient CO2 or shading will stall growth and stop side-shoot formation, leaving little to propagate from.