{"product_id":"eriocaulon-shiga","title":"Eriocaulon Shiga","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Eriocaulon 'Shiga'\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEriocaulon 'Shiga' is a rare and highly desirable rosette plant prized for its symmetrical star-shaped growth and fine, needle-like green leaves. Originating from Japan, this elegant aquatic plant has become a favourite among high-end aquascapers for its clean architectural form and ability to create stunning focal points in Nature Aquariums and Iwagumi layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many rosette plants, Eriocaulon 'Shiga' forms a dense, perfectly rounded crown of narrow leaves that radiate outward from the centre. Under ideal conditions, it produces a vibrant emerald-green colour and can occasionally send up delicate flowering stalks, adding even more visual interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEriocaulon 'Shiga' thrives in nutrient-rich aquasoils with bright lighting and benefits greatly from CO₂ injection. Consistent fertilisation and stable water parameters encourage compact growth, vibrant colouration, and healthy root development. Due to its more demanding requirements, it is best suited to intermediate and advanced planted aquarium enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact growth habit makes it ideal as a foreground or midground feature plant, where it contrasts beautifully with carpeting plants, mosses, and fine-textured stem plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, unique, and exceptionally rewarding to grow, Eriocaulon 'Shiga' is a premium choice for competition-level aquascapes and showcase planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEriocaulon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Shiga'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEriocaulon 'Shiga'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapan (cultivated variety)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosette Plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow to Moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCO₂ Required\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes (Highly Recommended)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–26°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.5–7.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–8 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlacement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForeground to Midground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNature aquariums, Iwagumi layouts, Dutch aquascapes, and high-tech planted aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Eriocaulon 'Shiga' suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is better suited to intermediate or advanced aquascapers, as it performs best with high lighting, nutrient-rich substrate, and CO₂ injection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Eriocaulon 'Shiga' require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. While it may survive without CO₂, supplemental CO₂ is strongly recommended for compact growth, vibrant colouration, and long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I plant Eriocaulon 'Shiga'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the roots into a nutrient-rich aquasoil while keeping the crown just above the substrate to prevent rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the leaves melting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf melt is commonly caused by unstable water parameters, poor nutrition, lack of CO₂, or sudden environmental changes after planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Eriocaulon 'Shiga' flower underwater?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Under excellent conditions, mature plants may produce slender flower stalks, adding an attractive feature to the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow light often results in slow growth, elongated leaves, and poor plant health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowing without CO₂\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough possible, the plant performs significantly better with stable CO₂ injection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEriocaulon 'Shiga' is a heavy root feeder and benefits from nutrient-rich aquasoils and regular fertilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlanting the crown too deeply\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly the roots should be buried. Covering the crown can lead to rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUnstable water conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent water parameters, regular maintenance, and good circulation are essential for healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48875009867915,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/3G1zwWYr800_kmsB5hoA4pIpB_xjJM3d1gEEoFnB1ihJbWkH_lPds51eWS73nu2cL-DZChXqhgGfo0HsbgixpjQQIg3-dpjKTJNTKiyeiLfJESi4cbq13qWWaxybjDtKlKAghJugoIkuFp6D5vGAmZba9hOC78297vYiTlED2BhdHGcupRUatna.jpg?v=1786086561","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/eriocaulon-shiga","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}