Heteranthera zosterifolia

Overview: Widely known as Stargrass, Heteranthera zosterifolia belongs to the family Pontederiaceae. It is originated in Brazil and can be seen growing in stagnant water and swampy lands. It makes an excellent aquarium plant due to its dense, bushy growth that covers the area and gives a lush green appearance to the tank. The plant is best for the open aquariums where it also develops small blue flowers as soon it appears and spread on the open surface. It has been established as a decorative plant in the aquariums for a long time, especially to get the look of Dutch style aquaria.

Appearance: Heteranthera zosterifolia is one of the gorgeous aquarium plants that enhance the look of the tank manifolds. The stem develops a lot of side shoots which give a star like an appearance to the plant in just a few months. It can attain a maximum height of 50 cm and width 12 cm. since the plant shows intense growth patterns, it is essential to trim the shoots at regular intervals. It ensures that light will reach to the lower parts of the plant, and growth will not abstain. The leaves are bright green lanceolate and look very beautiful. It can be used at both middle and background parts by cutting the plant to the desired height.

Hard/Soft Plant: It is a hard plant.

Ideal water temperature: The ideal water temperature for the proper growth of the plant ranges between 10 - 30°C.

Lightning conditions: It is undemanding and easy to maintain the plant. The light requirements are medium with mild intensity. Under strong light conditions, the plant attains intensive growth and gets bushy. Therefore it becomes essential to prune it regularly.

Ideal pH level: It requires pH within the range 5-8.

Do you know: Star grass is a great water quality indicator plant. The leaves get transparent indicating lack of nitrogen. Likewise, when the leaves turn from bright green to darker hue, the water is short of phosphorus.