TCulture Eriocaulon ‘Vietnam’ (Pot)

Description

Eriocaulon sp. “Vietnam” is not yet known for a long time in Europe, however it has already proved to be an easy aquarium plant – in contrast to a number of other Eriocaulon rarities in the aquarium hobby. This plant, not yet determined to species, was originally found in the Vietnamese province Thanh Hoa. It is a medium-sized, about 15-30 cm tall Eriocaulon with relatively broad, medium-green, arching leaves, resembling Eriocaulon sp. “Goias”.
This grass-like plant still grows with medium lighting and is even said to be suitable for hard water. However, a nutrient-rich substrate and a not too low CO2 concentration in the water column (at least 20 mg/l) are surely very conducive for its growth. With time, this plant forms a dense “grass tussock” with a number of leaf rosettes and can be divided into several single plants for propagation.
Eriocaulon sp. “Vietnam” can be used in aquascaping similarly to Blyxa japonica – e.g. as a meadow-like stand in the midground, linking the background with low ground covers in the foreground, or as scattered tufts between hardscape elements. In contrast to similar rosette plants such as Sagittaria subulata or Helanthium bolivianum, it does not develop runners, making its handling easy. This undemanding Eriocaulon surely deserves a wide distribution in the aquarium hobby.

Eriocaulon sp. Vietnam in the Planted Tank

Among the Eriocaulon we carry, the Vietnam variety has a reputation for being noticeably easier than most of its rarer cousins, which is why we often recommend it as a first foray into the genus. It builds a broader, medium-green rosette that brings welcome texture to the midground. Originating in tropical Vietnam, it is comfortable in the warm ambient water Singapore tanks run at, so a heater is rarely necessary here.

It still appreciates the conditions Eriocaulon are known for: strong light, soft water and a rich substrate feeding the roots. Our conditioned local tap water sits on the soft, slightly acidic side, which works in this plant’s favour. CO2 keeps the rosette dense and the growth steady; without it the plant tends to grow looser and slower. Plant it with the crown sitting just at the substrate surface so it does not rot.

Browse the rest of our live plants, and pair this with our eriocaulon species care guide and the eriocaulon aquascape guide for layout ideas.