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.
With good light conditions and a nutrient-rich substrate, Pogostemon helferi forms many side shoots that develop small roots, and the plant rapidly forms an impressive carpet of foreground vegetation.
Common names | Downoi |
Synonyms | Anuragia helferi (Hook. f.) Raizada, Dysophylla helferi Hook. f., Eusteralis helferi (Hook. f.) Panigrahi |
Complete botanical name | Pogostémon hélferi (Hook. f.) Press |
Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Pogostemon |
Difficulty | medium |
Usage | Epiphyte (growing on hardscape), Midground, Nano tanks, Foreground, group |
Growth | medium |
pH value | 5 – 7 |
Temperature tolerance | 15 – 28°C |
Carbonate hardness | 2 – 14°dKH |
General hardness | 0 – 30°dGH |
Propagation | Cuttings, Splitting, cutting off daughter plants |
Can grow emersed? | yes |
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