Salvinia natans is an easy floating plant that gently shades your aquarium, helping reduce the intensity of bright LED lighting. Ideal for tanks where the light feels a little too strong.
Give your plants everything they need to grow well without pressurised CO2. Neutro Combo is a top seller for low-tech tanks, helping plants stay healthy, grow steadily and compete naturally with algae.
Fine star-shaped whorled leaves on a bright South American stem plant
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Common name: Star Grass
Origin: South America
Position in Aquarium: Mid/background
Grows up to (cm):
Pot Size:
Growth rate: Medium pace
Heteranthera zosterifolia, commonly known as stargrass, is a striking stem plant from South America with a distinctive whorled leaf arrangement that gives each section of the stem a star-like appearance when viewed from above. Its fine, bright-green leaves and branching growth habit create a light, airy background texture that is popular in both nature aquarium and Dutch aquarium styles.
It grows best with medium light and CO2 supplementation, which encourages the compact, bushy growth and vivid colour this plant is known for. Without CO2 it can still be kept but tends to grow more slowly and with a looser, less structured habit. Regular trimming promotes dense regrowth and keeps the plant full from base to tip.
Supplied as an established potted plant, Heteranthera zosterifolia suits aquariums from 80 litres upward and works well planted in groups in the background or midground. Topping and replanting cuttings at the base is the standard method for maintaining full, bushy growth over time.
You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
CO2 is recommended for the compact, bushy growth this plant is known for. It can be kept without it but grows more slowly and with a less structured habit.
Medium light is the minimum. Bright light with CO2 produces the most compact, vivid growth. Low light causes the plant to become leggy and sparse.
Regular trimming is essential. Top the stems and replant the cuttings at the base. The trimmed stems will branch, producing new side shoots and a denser overall appearance.
Under good light and CO2 it is a moderately fast grower. Without CO2 growth is noticeably slower.
It is manageable for hobbyists who can provide stable conditions and medium-to-bright light. It is not the easiest stem plant but is rewarding when grown well.
