Is the Syngonanthus Belem still in play?

**David** · 10th Sep 2013, 18:31

Hi everyone,

Years back this plant, the Syngonanthus Belem was a very popular plant and its not commonly found.

It seems that I don't see this stemmed plant anymore. Has it gone out of fashion?

If anyone is still keeping this plant, could you be a kind soul and share its needs to thrive?

Thanks

**thebaldingaquarist** · 10th Sep 2013, 18:34

太阳草! Am i right?

Last i saw it was at seaview, one of the display tank. Last month.

Also at Y618, 3 months ago. Uncle say very difficult to grow. Ask me can or not. HAHAHA

**David** · 10th Sep 2013, 18:37

Thanks Erctheanda...I remembered its not a easy plant to grow and the picture I shared is in full glory.....very difficult to get the nodes in tight formation and leaf blade dark green, long extension and curly. To what I know a high nutrient, cold water temperature plant.

**thebaldingaquarist** · 10th Sep 2013, 18:46

You trying out this plant? Please share the experience. Its a plant i will never try in singapore.

**kohanson** · 10th Sep 2013, 22:58

Oohh so this is the plant's name. I bought from seaview 2 weeks ago and I think it is growing but not in tight formation. I notice that roots are forming from below and some of the bottom leaves keep turning yellow. The photo below shows the plant in my tank.

**David** · 11th Sep 2013, 23:33

Yup..that is the one. A difficult plant to grow as Erctheanda has mentioned.

To what I know a high nutrient sucker. If you can, stuff Iron at the substrate level. Keep water cool around 25 to 26 levels (some debate that 23 to 24) and very good light intensity.

**David** · 11th Sep 2013, 23:36

Right If you get it, a very beautiful plant have you.

**David** · 11th Sep 2013, 23:41

Erctheanda ..I did try (long time ago in a galaxy far far away)...tough plant. Got the nodes tight with MH. Water control 25 to 26 needs quite an amount of Iron...but the leaves never got long or as curly downwards.

Gave up and planted Luwegia SP given by Simon to me.

**magpie** · 12th Sep 2013, 06:10

Agreed that Belem is a nutrient sucker. From my past experience with this plant, I kept it with high intensity lighting, without chiller (temperature ~29-31) and weekly dosage of Liquid iron fertilizer.

**AQMS** · 12th Sep 2013, 08:23

The Syngonanthus Belem is a demanding plant.It is also know as Tonina sp Belem easier to remember

.I tried it before, it need strong lights
Kh between 2- 4,good amount of iron like David said and soft water. The growth was sooooooo slow,that what happen to me.I think if you use ADA soil it will thrive better,
as for me i am old school, i am using lapis sand

.
I got mine at C328,the tank next to the counter on the left where the shrimps are.
Nice plant.

**Xanavi** · 14th Sep 2013, 09:35

Is this the same plant?

**David** · 14th Sep 2013, 12:56

Yup, I am pretty sure that it is. Should try to grow it with its own space.

**balefire** · 16th Sep 2013, 01:27

Is this the plant?

I have this in a 3ft under 4x39watts.
No chiller, avg temp 29degree.
Growing quite well, need to trim and replant every 2-3 mths.
1 stalk will grow into many heads as it reaches the water surface.

regards