Tropica Cyperus Helferi in Pot

Cyperus Helferi

Cyperus-species are widespread all over the tropics, but only a few of them are good underwater plants.
Cyperus helferi from Thailand is the first Cyperus-species used in aquariums, 20-35 cm tall and a roset from 15-25 cm wide.
It requires a relatively large amount of light, and CO2 addition is recommended to promote growth.
In aquariums with good water flow the plant sways beautifully in the current.

Plant Info

Tropica Cyperus Helferi in flowing-water scapes

Cyperus helferi is unusual among the Cyperus genus in being a genuine underwater plant, forming a wide rosette of slender, translucent green blades that fan out in the current. We recommend it to local aquascapers who want a soft, grassy texture in the midground without the height of true background stems. Its leaves move beautifully in flow, so it shines in tanks with decent circulation where it sways and adds a living, dynamic element to the layout.

This is a relatively light-hungry plant, so give it medium-to-strong lighting and, ideally, CO2 to keep the rosette compact and pushing new blades. In our warm, soft tap water it settles in steadily; as a root-feeder it appreciates a nutritious substrate or root tabs tucked beneath the crown. Plant single rosettes with space around them, because crowding shades the inner leaves and they will yellow off before the plant adjusts.

Browse our other background and live plants, and we suggest pairing this with our aquarium CO2 guide and root tabs guide to keep the rosette dense and green.