Pogostemon helferi (In-Vitro)

Stoffels Pogostemon helferi, commonly known as "Downoi" or "little star" due to its compact, curly, star-shaped leaves, is a popular in-vitro aquatic plant used in aquascaping. Grown in a sterile lab environment, in-vitro plants are free from pests, algae, and pathogens.

Planting Instructions

1. Preparation: Gently remove the plant and the nutrient gel from the sterile cup.
2. Rinse: Wash away all the media/gel from the roots using chlorine-free water to prevent mildew or algae growth in your aquarium.
3. Portion: Divide the large clump of plants into smaller, individual portions or several smaller stem pieces for planting.
4. Planting: Use plant tweezers to carefully insert the small portions into the substrate. This helps avoid bruising the delicate plant material. Plant them in the foreground or midground of your aquarium, allowing space for growth into a dense cushion.
5. Adaptation: The plants may need an adaptation period of a couple of weeks to transition from the high-humidity tissue culture environment to the submerged aquarium conditions.

Care Requirements

• Lighting: Provide medium to high lighting conditions to maintain its compact and vibrant green growth.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended. Placing root tabs near the base can help support vigorous growth.
• CO2 Injection: While optional, CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for optimal growth, better coloration, and a more compact form.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers with micronutrients and iron will help maintain its lush appearance.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F).
  • pH: 6.0–7.5.
• Maintenance: Regular trimming of side shoots encourages bushier growth and helps form a dense carpet. The plant can also be attached to wood or rocks with a nylon thread if desired.

Enjoy the beauty of this unique aquatic plant as it transforms your aquarium into a lush, vibrant underwater landscape!