Photo: DatHalfdanr, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downoi
Pogostemon helferi (Hook.f.) Press
3–10 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
medium
CO₂ needs
20–25 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- on hardscape, midground, foreground
- Propagation
- cuttings, separating offshoots
- Uses
- nano tank
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Nicknamed “little star” in Thai, this plant makes a very recognisable low accent. It grows naturally between the rocks of Thai streams, submerged for part of the year and then emersed when the level drops. It suits the foreground of a large tank or the middle of a small aquarium.
- Scientific name
- Pogostemon helferi (Hook.f.) Press
- Classification
- Lamiales › Lamiaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Southeast Asia
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Good light, CO₂ and enough nutrients encourage vigorous green foliage. Handle the plants gently: they bruise easily. Cut cleanly below a node to prepare a cutting. It can be tied to a stone or a root with a loose thread, without squeezing the tissue.
Sources:Flowgrow Tropica GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth