Pogostemon helferi Downoi

Pogostemon helferi, known as 'Downoi' (little star) in Thai, is a compact, distinctively textured foreground plant from northwestern Thailand. Its dark green leaves with pronounced wavy, crinkled margins grow in a low star-shaped rosette. Under good conditions it forms dense clumps that spread by runners to fill in foreground areas. One of the few true foreground plants that is not a grass or carpet, providing a uniquely textured visual contrast in aquascapes.

Plant in fine substrate. Medium to high light required for compact growth. CO2 strongly recommended. Temperature 20–28 °C, soft slightly acidic water. Supplement with root tabs. Leaves flatten and grow taller in low light — less attractive.