Ashy Pipewort
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Ashy Pipewort is an excellent, low-growing foreground plant. Jeff Ucciardo
[edit] Overview
This tiny plant is a newcomer to the aquarium scene, and is as useful as it is unusual. The rosette shape and strange matchhead-like flower make it welcome in the foreground of high-tech aquaria.
Family: Eriocaulaceae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Marshes and bogs.
Maximum height: 8 cm (3 in)
Lighting: Intense.
Water: Freshwater 17 °C (290 K, 63 °F) - 25 °C (298 K, 77 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Fine and fertile substrate, macro and micro nutrients, and CO2 supplementation.
[edit] Special Care
This is a high-needs plant, but well worth the extra effort required to provide the brightest light and quality nourishment. pH: moderately acidic; hardness, moderately soft.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Division of the rosette. When the plant is ready to divide, the leaves of the rosette will seem crowded and will be growing in different directions. Uproot the plant and on examination, there will be two (or more) distinct plants. Sever the rosettes with a sharp tool and return the new plants to the aquarium.
[edit] Notes
This plant grows slowly but steadily from a large set of roots. Use a fine, deep, and fertile substrate to encourage spreading of the roots, which will lead to increased propagation opportunities. When the Ashy Pipewort is in good condition and its needs for light, carbon dioxide, and fertilizer are being met, it will send up its unusual flower shoots from a yellowish center.
| Common name | Ashy Pipewort + |
| Family | Eriocaulaceae + |
| Genus | Eriocaulon + |
| Image credit | JU + |
| Lighting | Intense. + |
| Maximum height | 3 in + |
| Native range | Southeast Asia + |
| Reference | 101 Best Aquarium Plants + |
| Specific name | cinereum + |
| Text credit | MES + |
| Water max temp | 298 K (25 °C, 77 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 290 K (17 °C, 63 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |