Pogostemon Helferi Downoi Vitro Culture

Little star, in Thai. Pogostemon helferi — Downoi — grows low rosettes of tightly curled, ruffled leaves radiating from a central point, a shape no other foreground plant produces. Native to Thailand, and one of the few carpeting plants that prefers cooler water. This is the sterile Vitro Culture® format. What You’ll Receive One 4-inch Vitro Culture® bag of Pogostemon helferi Yield approx. 3-4 small plants Rinse thoroughly before introducing to your aquarium Plant Profile Common name — Downoi, Thai Star Plant Scientific name — Pogostemon helferi Origin — Thailand Placement — Foreground Shipped size — Approx. 3-4 tissue-cultured plants, roughly 1-2 in Mature height — 2–4 in Suits — 10 gallons and up Growth rate — Slow Care Difficulty — Intermediate Light — Medium to high. Strong light tightens the leaf curl CO₂ — Recommended, not required Water — 68–78°F · pH 6.0–7.0. Note the ceiling — Downoi dislikes warm water Substrate — Required. Nutrient-rich substrate Growth habit — Amphibious. Also grows emersed Propagation — Side shoots and runners Grower’s Notes Temperature is the usual reason it fails. Downoi wants 68–78°F. In a tank running at 80–82°F it goes limp, loses the curl and melts — people blame light and CO₂ when the heater is the problem. The curl is a light response. Flat, uncurled leaves usually mean light isn't reaching the substrate. Moderate flow suits it. Stagnant corners collect detritus in the leaf ruffles. Feed at the roots — it is a heavy substrate feeder for its size. Rinse the gel off completely before planting or it clouds water and feeds algae early on. Also available as loose bare-root plants. Want to go deeper? Read our complete Pogostemon Care Guide. Notes Please rinse all tissue culture plants thoroughly to remove the gel before planting. Initial melting may occur during transition, but new growth will emerge with stable conditions and care. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.