Eriocaulon cinereum

Eriocaulon cinereum is a diminutive Asian pipewort that forms a compact rosette of extremely fine, hair-like leaves arranged in a tight starburst pattern. In shallow or emerged conditions it sends up a delicate stem topped by a distinctive silvery-grey button-like flower head, giving it an otherworldly, almost alien appearance that sets it apart from any other aquarium plant.

In the aquarium it is grown fully submerged as a foreground or midground accent, where the rosette remains compact and architecturally precise. It is highly demanding — soft, acidic water (pH 5.0–6.5), very high light, CO2 injection, and excellent nutrient control are all necessary. Eriocaulons in general are sensitive to organic waste and require pristine water quality to thrive long-term.

Prized by advanced aquascapers and Nature Aquarium enthusiasts, E. cinereum is one of the more accessible Eriocaulon species and serves as an excellent introduction to this challenging genus.

Light: Very high (80–120 PAR); inadequate light causes rapid decline and rosette collapse. CO2: Required at 25–35 mg/L; stable injection essential; interruptions cause melt. Fertilisation: Soft-water micro dosing; avoid excess macro nutrients which can cause algae issues on the fine leaves. Placement: Foreground to midground; plant as individual rosettes 3–5 cm apart. Propagation: Produces daughter rosettes at base; detach when 1–2 cm diameter and replant.