Heteranthera zosterifolia 'Mini' Care Guide
Heteranthera zosterifolia 'Mini' is a compact form of South American star grass that forms bright green, feathery midground groups.
Overview
Heteranthera zosterifolia, commonly called star grass, is a fast-growing aquatic stem plant of the family Pontederiaceae. The 'Mini' form has shorter internodes and smaller leaves, producing dense, feathery bright-green groups. The genus is generally known as mud plantains.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pontederiaceae
- Genus: Heteranthera
- Scientific name: Heteranthera zosterifolia 'Mini'
Habitat
Star grass is native to South America, where it is reported from Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, growing in slow-moving rivers and marshy areas. Plants of this genus live in water or wet soils and produce leaves of two types: linear submerged leaves and broader floating leaves.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: recommended for dense growth
- Placement: midground
- Maximum height: about 20 cm
The plant grows well at medium light intensity even without added CO2, but reaches its full potential under strong light with CO2, then showing lush growth and larger leaves. Bright light yields bushy growth, while moderate light gives looser upward stems.
Care and growth
Growth rate is fast. Under strong lighting the plant needs frequent trimming so that lower leaves continue to receive light. It is otherwise undemanding, requiring stable lighting and clean water.
Propagation
Star grass is propagated by stem cuttings. A healthy stem is trimmed, the lower leaves removed, and the cutting planted into fine substrate where it readily roots.