Pogostemon helferi – Original foreground plant with curly foliage
Pogostemon helferi , also known as “little star” in Thailand, is an aquarium plant as beautiful as it is original. With its bright green , star-shaped, curly leaves, it creates a superb plant carpet on the aquarium floor. Grown in vitro, it is delivered without parasites or algae, and is ready to be divided and planted directly. Its compact size (between 5 and 10 cm) makes it perfect for the foreground. But be careful, this little marvel has its requirements: powerful lighting , a supply of CO2 , a good current and a supply of nutrients are essential for it to flourish. When properly established, it forms a dense and structured vegetation, which looks great in your tank.
Unique curly foliage for a striking visual effect
Ideal for foreground and creating plant carpets
Healthy in vitro plant, without algae or parasites
Pogostemon helferi: an aquarium plant like no other
Native to the fast-flowing rivers of Myanmar and Thailand, Pogostemon helferi has established itself since 2006 as one of the most decorative foreground plants in aquascaping. It is recognizable by its curly leaves, arranged in rosettes around a central stem, which create a dense, bushy structure, ideal for ground cover. This plant is perfect for adding depth and a natural look to your landscape.
It grows slowly but surely, and can reach up to 15 cm in emerged culture. Submerged, it remains more compact, which is ideal for small as well as large aquariums. Although it can seem capricious, it is robust if its needs are respected: strong lighting , stable water , and good circulation . Without current, it can melt in a few days. Planting in a nutritious substrate is highly recommended, because it draws a lot of energy from its roots.
Optimal growing conditions for a healthy plant
This plant is not for beginners , but with a little care, it offers amazing results. It thrives in water between 22 and 26°C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5 and a hardness of 6 to 18 GH. Rapid temperature fluctuations should be avoided at all costs, otherwise the plant will die.
It needs good CO2 levels and a rich but moderate supply of liquid fertilizer . Too many nutrients, and it slows its growth. Too few, and it turns yellow. It's a real balancing act, but once you find it, you'll enjoy a plant with impeccable shape and intense color.
Its foliage can also turn yellow if light intensity is insufficient. Therefore, prefer light of at least 8 to 10 hours per day, with moderate to high intensity. In good conditions, it develops lateral branches that can be separated and replanted, facilitating propagation. Occasionally cutting back old stems stimulates the growth of secondary shoots.
Easy planting and natural propagation
Before planting Pogostemon helferi in vitro , remove it from its cup, rinse the gel well, then divide it into 5 to 10 small clumps. Plant them a few centimeters apart in rich soil, about 5 cm deep. Don't crowd it too tightly at first; it will naturally expand over time.
It propagates mainly by lateral shoots , which form small roots. These can be cut and replanted to create a carpet effect. Although it can attach itself to an aquarium root or a rock , it remains more stable and vigorous in loose soil.
Finally, be sure to never place it in the shade of another plant. It needs direct light to thrive. With a good filter to keep the water well circulated, a measured supply of fertilizer, and a few precautions when planting, it will transform your aquarium floor into a veritable little green jungle.
How to plant the Pogostemon helferi plant in video?
EasyStart is a filter activator thanks to a unique combination of highly active bacterial cultures . When starting up a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, the water must be cleaned and stabilized quickly to make it suitable for fish.
Voogle is a harmless product that supports fish health and strengthens their immune system . Using Voogle keeps the use of antibiotics to a strict minimum.
AlgExit is a safe and effective product for controlling the vast majority of algae species in the freshwater aquarium . It actively fights against algae, including beard, brush and string algae.
Easy-Life Filter Medium is the most versatile water conditioner on the market. It makes the water crystal clear . It is used as a water conditioner, maintenance product, stimulator (including plant growth), prophylactic product ( prevention of infections ).
Utricularia graminifolia – Aesthetic and carnivorous plant carpet
Utricularia graminifolia from Tropica is a bit of a UFO among aquarium plants. With its miniature grass look and surprising carnivorous properties, this in vitro plant is a sensation in the foreground. It forms a pretty, dense, light green carpet , all in finesse, which dresses the aquarium floor with a stunning naturalness. In addition to its ultra decorative appearance, it feeds on microorganisms thanks to its small invisible skins , a real plus in well-balanced tanks. It loves light, thrives in soft water and prefers a dry planting to root well. With a good CO2 system and a little patience, it becomes the number one visual asset of your aquascape.
Forms a dense, natural green carpet in the foreground
Discreet and original carnivorous plant in the aquarium
In vitro, clean, algae and parasite free for easy integration
Rotala wallichii – Bright red stems and airy foliage
Tropica 's Rotala wallichii is an exceptional stem plant for enthusiasts who love challenges... and rewards. With its finely cut foliage and spectacular pinkish-red color in good lighting, it transforms an aquarium background into a living tableau. It grows up to 30 cm tall and offers a magnificent contrast with surrounding green plants. Very decorative when planted in groups, it requires strong lighting and a well-established CO2 system . Soft, slightly acidic water and good nutrients are also essential to reveal its full potential. A true star for well-maintained tanks.
Fine, colorful foliage, perfect for the aquarium background
Brings spectacular red and pink hues
Ideal for aquascaping tanks and experienced enthusiasts
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
