Aquarists in Thailand, close to the border with Burma, discovered this plant. It is called 'Downoi' (little star) in Thailand, and it is easy to see why (5-10 cm tall and wide). Pogostemon helferi is an unusual and distinctive aquatic plant with a compact habit, curly leaves and a strikingly beautiful green colour.
Pogostemon helferi forms many side shoots that develop small roots, and the plant rapidly forms an impressive carpet of foreground vegetation.
While it will grow well without CO2, it can be very temperamental and does prefer the addition of CO2.
we have had great results at PAR levels as low as 50, so it isn’t overly demanding about light as long as it likes the other conditions in the tank!
Portion size is one Tropica portion (8-10+ crowns). We usually remove these from the pots prior to shipping as we find they can be damaged by the pot in shipping. This way they are also pruned and ready to be planted in your aquarium immediately upon arrival! :)
PH Range: 5.5-7.6
Temperature range: 60-80
lighting requirement: med
CO2 needed?: Preferred
Growth Rate: Medium