Stargrass

Heteranthéra zosterifólia

Family: Pontederiaceae
Genus: Heteranthera

Difficulty

Easy

Light

Medium to High

Growth Rate

Fast

Usage

Background
Midground

Ideal Conditions

Temperature

10-30°C(opt: 22.5°C)

CO2

15-40mg/L

pH

5-8

Nutrients

Nitrate (NO3): 10-50mg/L
Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-3mg/L
Potassium (K): 5-30mg/L
Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/L

Description

Heteranthera zosterifolia is a stem plant featuring bright green lanceolate leaves. Native to Brazil, it typically thrives in stagnant waters and swampy regions. In aquaristics, this plant has been established for many years as a decorative element in Dutch style and nature aquariums. It can be used as a contrasting plant by trimming it to the desired height. This plant is also known as star grass and serves as a water quality indicator. If the water lacks nitrogen, leaves will become transparent before wilting, while a phosphorus deficiency causes a darker green hue. Heteranthera zosterifolia is relatively undemanding, growing well under medium light without additional CO2 fertilization. However, it achieves its full potential under strong lights and with CO2 fertilization, resulting in lush growth and larger leaves.