Eriocaulon sp. "Mato Grosso"

Family: Eriocaulaceae

Genus: Eriocaulon

Difficulty

Very Hard

Light

High

Growth Rate

Slow

Usage

Midground

Foreground

GROUP

Ideal Conditions

Temperature

20-28°C(opt: Not specified)

CO2

25-40mg/L

pH

4.5-7

Nutrients

Nitrate (NO3): 10-50mg/L

Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-3mg/L

Potassium (K): 5-30mg/L

Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/L

Description

Eriocaulon sp. 'Mato Grosso' originates from the Brazilian state Mato Grosso and was introduced to Japan by Rayon Vert Aqua. It is still relatively rare in European and American markets, but widely cultivated among hobbyists in Japan, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. This finicky plant requires experienced care, as it needs lots of light (0.75+ watts per liter) and a high CO2 concentration (30 mg/l). An acidic substrate rich in nutrients, particularly nitrate and phosphate, is essential for healthy growth. A low pH (around 6) and soft water (4 °KH/4 °dGH or below) are beneficial. This slow-growing plant rarely needs trimming, but can be propagated by cutting apart leaf rosettes every one to two months.