TCulture Tonina Fluviatilis (Pot)

Complete botanical name

Tonina fluviátilis Aubl.

Family
Eriocaulaceae

Genus
Tonina

Difficulty
very difficult

Usage
Midground

Growth
medium

pH value
4 – 7

Temperature tolerance
18 – 29°C

Carbonate hardness
0 – 8°dKH

General hardness
0 – 30°dGH

Propagation
Cuttings

Can grow emersed?
yes

Source
Flowgrow

Tonina Fluviatilis: A High-End Soft-Water Stem

Tonina fluviatilis is a benchmark plant for serious aquascapers, with crisp whorls of pointed leaves that form architectural spires. We are upfront that it is very difficult to grow, so we suggest it once your tank is mature and your dosing is dialled in rather than as an early experiment. The pot arrives with a clump you separate into individual stems before planting, spacing them so each spire stands clear and catches light.

The make-or-break factor is water chemistry. Tonina demands soft, low-hardness, acidic water, and Singapore’s naturally soft tap supply gives you a head start once properly dechlorinated and stabilised. Keep carbonate hardness very low, run pressurised CO2 with strong light, and dose iron and trace steadily. Our ambient 27-29C sits at the upper edge of its tolerance, so avoid letting heat-soaked tanks climb higher.

Read our Tonina fluviatilis care guide and related Tonina Belem guide, and lock in your gas with our CO2 guide. Explore more background plants for height and structure.