So that the Pogostemon helferi is not driven back and forth in the water, it has developed fine adhesive roots. This allows the plant to hold on to the substrate as well as to stones or roots. Pogostemon can also live in the aquarium as an epiphyte. However, some help is needed.
How do I tie up Pogostemon helferi correctly?
To tie up the Pogostemon helferi, place the plant on a stone or root, tie it with nylon thread (€4.00 on Amazon) or fishing line or glue it on with aquarium glue. Careful attachment prevents injury and improves plant growth.
Cultivation as an epiphyte
Pogostemon helferi is one of the aquatic plants that you can plant in the sandy bottom of the aquarium. The front and possibly the middle area of the aquarium is suitable for this. But the plant, which is up to 10 cm tall, can also be cultivated as a so-called epiphyte. This makes it possible to place them slightly higher overall.
A stone can provide a secure hold, and a dead root is also ideal. Both are not unpleasantly noticeable in the natural water landscape; in fact, they are decorative elements themselves.
Tip
Special roots that have a long lifespan in water are offered in aquarium shops. You may even be able to find a ready-made solution including a plant there.
Untie Pogostemon helper
When Pogostemon helferi comes into contact with a new substrate, it begins to form fine roots that enable it to adhere independently. However, the development of the adhesive roots takes several weeks. Immediately after the small starwort, as the plant is also called, has taken its place, it is still at the mercy of the water current and aquatic life. It needs to be untied.
- Place plants well
- tie with nylon thread (€4.00 on Amazon) or fishing line
- alternatively stick with aquarium glue
This work is easier if you do it outside the aquarium and then put the plant in the water. The string stays on until the plant has grown. It doesn't bother you afterwards, but is removed again for visual reasons.
Touch the plant with kid gloves
It looks like Pogostemon helferi is a delicate plant. Even the smallest injuries make it difficult to grow. It has also been observed that the entire plant can die. When planting, be careful not to damage Pogostemon helferi. An unsuitable shear can also cut into the plant.
