Eriocaulon cinereum is one of the most striking and sculptural centerpiece aquarium plants available to aquascaping enthusiasts. With its symmetrical, needle-like rosette and silvery-green tone, it commands visual attention in midground and foreground zones. Belonging to the rarer family of aquatic flora, this Eriocaulon cinereum aquarium plant thrives under high-tech conditions and offers a strong focal point in nature layouts, Dutch tanks, and competitive aquascapes. Available in Tissue Culture and Emersed formats, this passport delivers a complete Eriocaulon cinereum care guide, covering planting tips, light/CO₂/fertilizer needs, and how to grow this rare gem in Indian planted tanks.
1. Basic Information
- Trade Name: Eriocaulon Cinereum
- Scientific Name: Eriocaulon cinereum
- Common Names: Cinereum Eriocaulon, Needle Rosette Plant
2. Botanical Profile of Eriocaulon cinereum
- Family: Eriocaulaceae
- Genus: Eriocaulon
- Species: cinereum
- Etymology:
- Eriocaulon = “woolly stem” (Greek origin)
- Cinereum = Latin for “ash-colored” or “grey”
- Endemic Region / Origin: Asia — especially Southern India, Southeast Asia, and China
- Natural Habitat: Moist grasslands, shallow streams, and wetland edges with low flow
- Growth Habit: Rosette-forming; symmetrical and upright
- Leaf Description: Needle-like, silvery green leaves arranged in a tight radial cluster (5–12 cm tall)
3. Aquarium Suitability of Eriocaulon cinereum
- Ideal Placement in Aquascape: Midground to foreground; ideal centerpiece aquarium plant
- Compatible Aquascaping Styles:
- Nature Aquarium (focal highlight between rocks or driftwood)
- Dutch (specimen plant in color/structure groups)
- Iwagumi (as a contrast to carpeting plants)
- Collector’s tank of rare aquarium plants
- Growth Speed: Slow to moderate
- CO₂ Requirement: High; best grown in high tech tanks with stable CO₂
- Lighting Needs: High (at least 3W/gal or 70+ PAR at substrate)
- Nutrient Requirements: Demands both water-column fertilization and root feeding
- Temperature Range: 20°C – 27°C
- pH Range: 5.8 – 6.8 (soft, slightly acidic water ideal)
- GH/KH Preference: GH 1–6, KH 0–2
- Substrate Requirement: Nutrient-rich substrate like aquasoil; inert sands unsuitable
4. How to Grow Eriocaulon cinereum in Aquariums
For Tissue Culture Format (Tissue culture Eriocaulon cinereum):
- Rinse all tissue culture medium using RO or dechlorinated water
- Use sharp aquascaping tweezers to plant the root base securely
- Avoid burying the crown to prevent rot
- Place in an area with strong light and stable CO₂
For Emersed Format / Eriocaulon Plant Cup India:
- Trim any dry or damaged tips from shipping
- Gently remove rockwool and clean roots
- Plant into nutrient-rich aquasoil with minimal disturbance to the crown
- Avoid sudden changes in lighting/CO₂ post-planting
5. Eriocaulon cinereum Care Guide
Maintenance Tips:
- Keep light intense and stable (photoperiod 8–10 hours max)
- Dose iron and micros regularly for vibrant leaf tone
- Clean the rosette regularly by gently brushing off debris
Trimming Frequency:
Rarely needed; remove outer leaves once every 4–6 weeks
Common Issues & Prevention:
- Melting: Caused by fluctuating CO₂ or hard water
- Rot at center: Happens if crown is buried too deep
- Stunted growth: Often due to insufficient micronutrients or poor substrate
CO₂ and Fertilization for Eriocaulon:
- Inject CO₂ at 30 ppm consistently
- Use aquasoil + root tabs under each plant
- Dose ADA Green Brighty series or EI-style fertilization
Melting Risk After Planting?:
High if light/CO₂ are unstable or water is too hard
How Long Before Visible Growth?:
7–10 days with CO₂; very slow or no growth in non-CO₂ tanks
6. Compatibility & Use of Eriocaulon cinereum in Aquascapes
- Safe for Shrimp? ✅ Yes
- Can be Used in Emersed Setups? ✅ Yes (terrariums and paludariums with high humidity)
- Can Be Grown in Terrariums/Paludariums? ✅ Yes
- Ideal for: Advanced aquascapers and plant collectors
- Plant Difficulty: Difficult
- Best With Other Plants:
- Cryptocoryne flamingo
- Rotala bonsai
- Pogostemon helferi
- Best With Fish/Shrimp:
- Shrimp-only tanks
- Tetras or Rasboras
- Otocinclus and other gentle algae-eaters
7. Rare Facts & Growth Rate of Eriocaulon cinereum
- Native to India and Southeast Asia, but cultivated worldwide for aquascaping
- Considered a rare plant due to slow growth and high CO₂/light demand
- Popular in Japanese and Korean competition tanks
- Growth rate is slow: 1–2 new leaves every 2 weeks in optimal conditions
- Not ideal for low-tech or beginner setups
8. Quality & Trust Emphasis (Aqua Matsya Signature Section)
What Makes This an Aqua Matsya Choice:
- Carefully hardened or tissue-cultured in soft water for better survival
- Supplied only after 100% rooting and pest-free certification
- Offers rare access to exotic Eriocaulon species for aquascaping
Hobbyist Trust Indicators:
💚 No algae, no snails — lab-certified
💧 Suitable for Indian high-tech setups with RO water
🌿 Available in limited batches due to rarity and slow propagation