Heteranthera Zosterifolia

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Heteranthera zosterifolia

• Common Name: Stargrass

• Origin: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)

• Height: 20 – 50 cm (can grow taller in high-tech aquariums)

• pH: 5.5 – 7.5

• Care: Moderate – requires stable conditions to thrive

• Light: Medium to High (higher light encourages dense, bushy growth)

• CO₂: Strongly recommended – improves health, speed of growth, and compact form

• Propagation: Stem cuttings (cut healthy tops and replant)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Additional Notes:

  • Characterized by delicate, narrow leaves arranged in a star-like pattern.

  • Needs frequent trimming, as it grows rapidly and may shade other plants.

  • If not pruned, lower leaves can melt due to lack of light.

  • Best used as a background plant in aquascapes for a lush, bushy effect.

  • Provides great shelter for fry and shrimp.