Pogostemon helferi is an eye-catcher in every aquarium with its curled, rosette-like leaves. But sometimes the plant doesn't really want to grow. A solution is asked for as soon as possible. But can the answer be given quickly and with certainty?

If the Pogostemon helferi does not grow, the helplessness is great

discussions in the forums

Little is known why the little star, as the plant is also called, sometimes refuses to grow in the aquarium. There is little about this in the specialist literature available in this country, so numerous assumptions are made in relevant forums. It is usually recommended to check whether unfavorable living conditions exist. Individual growth factors are to be varied in a targeted manner and their effects on the growth of the suffering plant observed.

These factors should be right

Pogostemon helferi comes from South Asia and has to grow under unnatural conditions here. Nevertheless, there are now enough empirical values to say when the plant feels comfortable in the aquarium. The following list should give you a rough overview of the values to be checked:

  • Lighting: plenty of light, the plant may be shaded
  • Nutrient supply: sufficient and in the right composition
  • Temperature: between 15 and 30 °C (ideally above 22 °C)
  • pH: between 6.2 and 7.8

tips

If you are not making any progress with your research into the cause, it helps to get support in special aquaristic forums.

Is the plant injured?

Pogostemon helferi is sensitive to injury, so every owner must be careful with this plant. If it is injured during planting, for example, its growth can falter or it may even die. Death can drag on for months.

The tying should also be done with a soft nylon thread so that there are no constrictions. Furthermore, a sharp knife must be used for all cutting measures so that smooth, quickly healing cut surfaces are created.

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