Downoi
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Pogostemon helferi. Aqua Spot World
[edit] Overview
This is the newest star in the aquarium world. Dao noi in Thai means “Little Star.” A perfect foreground plant, Downoi’s crinkly edged leaves and starlike shape are unique in the aquarium hobby.
Family: Lamiaceae
Other common name(s):
- Little Star
Native range:
Habitat: Banks of creeks and rivers, sometimes underwater and sometimes emersed.
Maximum height: 10 cm (4 in)
Lighting: Low to very bright.
Placement: Foreground, midground
Water: Freshwater 20 °C (293 K, 68 °F) - 30 °C (303 K, 86 °F)
[edit] Feeding
CO2 supplementation is not required for keeping, but it will result in accelerated growth when combined with fertilizers and bright light. Iron supplementation required.
[edit] Special Care
None required.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Runners, seeds. Small plantlets grow off the main stem.
[edit] Notes
Downoi is not difficult. It reaches for the light and elongates somewhat in low-light conditions, but it continues to thrive all the same. If planted in small clusters, it will soon fill in available space in the substrate, making for very attractive groupings. To increase the population, simply separate the individuals that grow off the main stems and gently plant in the substrate. Where it is grown emersed, Downoi produces small flowers that set seeds, which will in turn result in new plants when set in a fine, fertilized substrate with clean water and good light.
| Common name | Downoi +, and Little Star + |
| Family | Lamiaceae + |
| Genus | Pogostemon + |
| Image credit | ASW + |
| Lighting | Low to very bright. + |
| Maximum height | 4 in + |
| Native range | Thailand + |
| Placement | Foreground, midground + |
| Reference | 101 Best Aquarium Plants + |
| Specific name | helferi + |
| Text credit | MES + |
| Water max temp | 303 K (30 °C, 86 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 293 K (20 °C, 68 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |