Eriocaulon breviscapum

Also known as Erio breviscapum, Eriocaulon Feather Duster, Eriocaulon sp. 'Feather Duster', Eriocaulon breviscapum 'Feather Duster', Eriocaulon 'Social Feather Duster', Feather Duster

FreshwaterRosetteRhizome divisionSide shoots

Eriocaulon breviscapum (Eriocaulon breviscapum) — Buce Plant · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 68–82°F; 20–28°C
Max height: 23.6 in; 60 cm

Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Background
Type: Rosette
pH: 5.5–7.0
Hardness: 0–8 dGH
Spread: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root feeder
Growth region: Submersed
Difficulty: Medium
Family: Eriocaulaceae
Origin: Western Ghats, southwest India

Overview

Eriocaulon breviscapum is a background plant or solitary specimen whose very narrow leaves arch over like a fine-leaved Vallisneria. It is noticeably less fussy than the small showpiece Eriocaulon species.

Did you know

Eriocaulon breviscapum grows leaves over half a meter long, while most Eriocaulon in the hobby are palm-sized foreground plants. Shops regularly mislist it as a compact carpet plant.

Caring for Eriocaulon breviscapum

Plant Eriocaulon breviscapum in a nutrient-rich substrate for its large root system, with the crown just above the surface. It draws much of its food through its roots, so root tabs help too.

Medium light suits it. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 is recommended unless the tank carries a decent fish load. Keep the water soft to medium-hard at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows at a moderate pace. Divide an established clump into rooted sections to propagate it. Cut rhizome pieces will branch and regrow, and side shoots can be planted on their own.

Good to know

Eriocaulon breviscapum is a pipewort in the family Eriocaulaceae. Its epithet means short-scaped, after the short stalks that carry the genus's little button flower heads. Its grass-like leaves are only about 2 mm wide.

In the wild

Eriocaulon breviscapum is endemic to the Western Ghats of southwest India. It grows submerged in shallow, fast-flowing mountain rivers. It anchors itself in gravel and between boulders with an unusually strong, deep root system, built for holding position in current.

Common questions

Does Eriocaulon breviscapum need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.

Does Eriocaulon breviscapum need CO2?

No, but it helps. Eriocaulon breviscapum can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Eriocaulon breviscapum need?

Eriocaulon breviscapum wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Eriocaulon breviscapum need root tabs?

Yes. Eriocaulon breviscapum draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.

How do you propagate Eriocaulon breviscapum?

Eriocaulon breviscapum propagates by rhizome division and side shoots. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.