Pogostemon helferii - NatureHolic InVitro

The Small Water Star, Starwort or Daonoi (thai for "small star") with the species name Pogostemon helferi is a perfect plant for the foreground to middle ground of a planted aquarium or aquascapes. The leaves, which sit in a star shape on the stem, are bright green and have a noticeably wavy edge. Under a lot of light, the plants grow very compact and form great eye-catchers in the aquarium. Under low light, the stems stretch upwards and the leaf spacing becomes larger. In nature Daonoi grows on and between stones in strong currents, so it can also be cultivated in the aquarium as a perennial.

In addition to sufficient light, the Little Water Star needs a good supply of nutrients, especially iron, and CO2. If these conditions are given, the starwort is a grateful keeper in aquarium.

Pogostemon helferi should be planted carefully, the stems must not be squeezed, otherwise they will die. If you want to tie up the starwort, you should also be careful not to crush the stems. A plant glue should therefore be preferred here.

For pruning Pogostemon helferi, sharp scissors should be used. With regular pruning, the plant will form more side shoots and become bushier.

The cut shoots can be used for propagation of the Small Water Star in the aquarium - simply stick them into the substrate, the cuttings will sprout roots again all by themselves. In this way, you can also rejuvenate older groups of Pogostemon helferi plants.

This Pogostemon helferi from NatureHolic was grown in In Vitro culture in the laboratory in the absence of pests and unwanted co-inhabitants such as worms, snails and micro-crabs. This also eliminates the introduction of algae or pathogens. Since no pesticides are used in this breeding method, you can plant the Daonoi directly into your aquarium without pre-watering. Please remove the transparent culture medium from the roots beforehand. The best way to do this is under running water.

If you cultivate the Small Water Star above water, for example in a Wabi Kusa, a waterfall aquarium, terrarium kept moist or in a paludarium, it may even come to flower. Pogostemon helferi is also excellent for the new waterfall aquariums.

Our recommendation: For a splendid plant growth we recommend the Premium Nutrient Substrate when setting up a new aquarium: NatureHolic GroundBooster