Pogostemon helferi, also called Little Star, is a very decorative aquarium plant. Its natural distribution area is in South Asia, and it is commercially available in this country. But new specimens can also be obtained at home through propagation. We'll tell you how to do this with top cuttings and side shoots.
How to propagate Pogostemon helferi?
To propagate Pogostemon helferi, top cuttings or side shoots can be cut and then planted or tied to stones or roots. For a successful cut, use sharp, clean cutting tools and planting tweezers.
Cutting head cuttings
The Little Star sprouts stems on which green, curled leaves are arranged in rosettes. If a stem has grown high enough, you can cut off the tip and plant it elsewhere. With a maximum height of around 10 cm, this aquatic plant is rather small in stature, which is why sensitivity is required.
- cut below a stem node (Nordium)
- shorten all sheets
Cut side shoots
If the Pogostemon helferi plant finds ideal growth conditions in the aquarium, it can spread like a carpet and form plenty of side shoots. These can also be cut for propagation. The procedure is the same as for head cuttings.
Tip
If the plant spreads a lot in its place in the aquarium, you can cut it vigorously. The resulting cutting material can be used to green other, as yet unplanted parts of the water basin.
Use a sharp cutting tool
This mini aquarium plant is a sensitive plant. Injuries can result in a top cutting or side shoot not growing properly or even dying. The mother plant can also die. That's why it's important that cutting leaves only smooth, clean cuts that can heal well.
Therefore, only use clean, sharp cutting tools. Do not touch the plant parts with your fingers as this can cause bruising. Use planting tweezers instead.
Planting head cuttings and side shoots
Choose a location in the front area of the aquarium if possible. You can simply plant the shoot in the substrate. You may need to support it with stones or something similar. Little Star can also grow well as an epiphyte. To do this, you have to tie the side shoot or cutting to a stone or a root. Use a soft nylon cord to avoid cuts.
Tip
After the new plant has formed adherent roots, you can remove the fastening material again. Also be careful not to injure Pogostemon helferi.
