TCulture Pogostemon helferi (Pot/TC Cup)

The TCulture Pogostemon helferi (Pot/TC Cup) is a compact foreground plant perfect for creating lush carpets.

Key Features

• Low-growing aquatic plant ideal for the front of the tank
• Can form dense carpets with proper lighting and CO2
• Suitable for nano tanks and larger aquascapes alike

Pogostemon helferi ‘Downoi’ in Singapore planted tanks

Pogostemon helferi, the ‘Downoi’ star plant, is a local scaping favourite for its tight rosette of crinkled, wavy-edged leaves that look like little green stars dotted across the foreground or lower midground. We supply it potted and as TC cups; the tissue-culture stock arrives clean and pest-free, ready for shrimp tanks. Planted in small groups it spreads by side shoots into an eye-catching cluster.

It rewards good husbandry. CO2 and bright light keep it compact, dense and richly green, while weak light makes it stretch and lose its character. Singapore’s soft, slightly acidic tap water suits it well, and our stable 27-29C warmth keeps it growing without a heater. Watch for pale or stunted new growth, which usually signals a micronutrient or iron shortfall rather than a problem with our water.

See our foreground plants range, then read our how to grow Pogostemon helferi ‘Downoi’ walkthrough and our full care guide for parameters.