


Pogostemon helferi on Rock
Pogostemon helferi, commonly known as "Downoi", is a striking and compact aquatic plant, perfect for foreground placement in planted aquariums. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant is famous for its curled, wavy leaves, which create a beautiful, star-like rosette pattern, adding texture and depth to aquascapes. Its bright green color contrasts beautifully with darker plants and hardscape elements, making it a favorite among aquascapers.
This moderate to fast-growing plant thrives under moderate to high lighting and benefits from CO₂ supplementation to maintain its vibrant green color and compact growth. When planted in nutrient-rich substrate, it spreads horizontally, forming a dense, bushy carpet, making it an excellent foreground plant in both high-tech and low-tech aquariums.
Key Features:
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Size: Compact, growing 5-10 cm in height
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Light Requirements: Moderate to high – stronger lighting encourages compact growth
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Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, forming a dense carpet over time
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Placement: Foreground, best planted in nutrient-rich substrate
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Care Level: Intermediate, thrives best with CO₂ and good fertilization
- Ideal For: Aquascaping, nature-style tanks, and high-tech setups
Pogostemon helferi is an exceptional foreground plant that adds visual interest and structure to aquascapes. With its unique curled leaves, compact size, and vibrant green color, it’s a perfect choice for aquascapers looking to create a lush, eye-catching carpet in their aquarium. Whether in a high-tech aquascape or a low-tech setup, Downoi is sure to enhance the beauty of your tank!

Plant Profile
Read about what makes the best conditions for your plant as well as giving you interesting information about where the plant is originally from.
Learn how to keep an aquariumPogostemon
helferi
Lamiaceae
South East Asia
high - medium
22-28°C
moderate
Foreground
up to 10 cm
6-8
very soft to very hard
20-30 mg/l
head cuttings, side shoots

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