With its star-shaped, wavy leaves in bright green, the Pogostemon helferi, which comes from South Asia, could undoubtedly beautify any aquarium. But this plant does not want to thrive in every water basin. When is it worth planting and how to do it.
How do you plant Pogostemon helferi correctly?
In order to plant Pogostemon helferi successfully, you should create optimal water conditions, choose a suitable place in the aquarium, handle the roots carefully and, if necessary, attach the plant to stones or roots until it forms roots on its own.
Favorable and unfavorable conditions
First check whether you can provide the plant with good living conditions. Because the crucial water parameters must harmonize with all the plants and creatures living in it. For example, Pogostemon reacts tolerantly to water hardness. The pH value can vary between 6.2 and 7.8. The temperature can also range between 15 and 30 °C, although values above 22 °C are ideal.
A lack of light and an insufficient supply of nutrients could prove problematic for growth. You can and should optimize these unfavorable conditions before planting if you want the pogostemin to thrive he althily. The brighter the plant is, the bushier it grows.
The best area of the pool
Pogostemon helferi, also known as little star or starwort, is one of the smaller aquarium plants with a height of around 10 cm. It is therefore popular for aquascaping. Shrimp also like to swim between the leaves, keeping them algae-free. In a larger aquarium, you should find a free space in the front area. In medium-sized aquariums, planting in the middle is also possible.
Plant with sensitivity
You should be careful when planting Pogostemon helferi. It is believed that even small injuries prevent successful growth or even cause the plant to die.
The roots of this aquatic plant can be planted in the substrate. However, it is popular as a so-called epiphyte plant that clings independently to stones or pieces of roots. You should therefore look for a suitable substrate before planting. Aquarium shops are a good treasure trove in this regard.
Untie until it grows
It takes time for the plant to form fine adhesive roots. Until that happens, she can't hold on on her own. You have to untie the plant:
- Place plant on stone or root
- fix with nylon cord
- remove the cord after it has grown
Tip
If you are so enthusiastic about this plant that you want to own more specimens, then you don't have to open your wallet. You can propagate them yourself using runners, cuttings and side shoots.
