Here’s all about Tonina fluviatilis — a stunning and delicate stem plant prized in aquascaping for its unique star-shaped leaves, vibrant green color, and demanding but rewarding nature.

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Tonina fluviatilis

• Common Name: Tonina Fluviatilis

• Family: Eriocaulaceae

• Origin: South America (notably Brazil and surrounding river systems)

🌱 Plant Description

• Growth Form: Stem plant

• Leaf Shape: Narrow, needle-like, arranged in rosettes around the stem forming a starburst appearance

• Leaf Color: Light to bright green; can get golden-green tones under strong lighting

• Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches)

• Width: 2–4 cm per stem cluster

• Growth Rate: Medium to fast (under ideal conditions)

💧 Tank Requirements

🌾 Growth & Propagation

• Growth Habit: Upright stem growth; bushy with tight rosettes

• Trimming: Tops can be cut and replanted for propagation

• Spacing: Space stems to avoid shading and encourage side-shoots

• Propagation: By cutting healthy tops and replanting in substrate

🌟 Aquascaping Use

• Midground to background in nano tanks

• Background plant in larger aquascapes

• Adds a unique star-texture contrast to leafy or stem-heavy layouts

• Works well in Dutch-style tanks as a focal stem plant

🧠 Care Tips

• Requires soft, acidic water to thrive

• Needs strong lighting (at least 0.8–1 watt/L or LED equivalent)

• CO₂ injection is essential — without it, the plant often melts

• Regular fertilization — both root and water column — is required

• Avoid burying the base too deep to prevent stem rot

• Ensure good circulation to avoid algae between tightly packed leaves

⚠️ Common Issues

🐠 Compatibility

• Safe for all aquarium species

• Ideal in shrimp tanks and peaceful community tanks

• Avoid with rough fish (e.g., large cichlids, goldfish) due to delicate stems

• Snails may occasionally graze young leaves in nutrient-deficient tanks

📌 Quick Summary

✅ Why Choose Tonina fluviatilis?

• Unmatched starburst leaf pattern

• Adds texture and contrast to any aquascape

• A challenge for enthusiasts seeking delicate, exotic plants

• Stunning highlight stem in a Dutch or Nature-style tank