Heteranthera zosterifolia

Scientific name: Heteranthera zosterifolia

Family: Pontederiaceae

Maximum size reached under cultivation: 50 - 100 cm (19.69 - 39.37 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°dGH (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 28 °C (68 - 82.4°F)

Preferred propagation method: Cuttings

Native to: South America

Growth rate: Fast

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Lighting requirements: Medium

Ideal placement in tank: Background

Family

Pontederiaceae

Common Name

Star Grass

Origin

Native to South America, especially Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina, where it grows in slow-moving rivers and marshy areas.

Propagation

Heteranthera zosterifolia is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Simply trim a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting into fine gravel. The plant quickly forms roots and continues growing. Due to its brittle nature, even accidental breakages can be replanted as new stems.

Difficulty

Easy. This plant is undemanding and fast-growing, making it suitable for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. It only requires stable lighting and clean water to thrive.

Short Description

Heteranthera zosterifolia, commonly known as Star Grass, is a bright green, fast-growing aquatic plant ideal for background placement in aquariums. It forms dense, bushy groups and produces narrow, pointed leaves arranged in a star-like pattern along its upright stems. When grown under strong lighting, it develops a vibrant, compact form that enhances aquascapes with depth and contrast.

Though mainly grown submerged, this species can also be cultivated emersed in paludariums or in shallow water setups. When emersed, it may produce delicate blue flowers above the water surface, although flowering is rare in fully submerged aquarium conditions.

Maintenance and Care

This plant grows best in temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82.4°F), with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and water hardness from 4 to 18°N (71–321 ppm). It prefers moderate to strong lighting for compact, lush growth. Without trimming, the stems can reach the water surface quickly, so regular pruning is recommended to maintain shape and prevent shading of other plants.

Compatibility

Star Grass is compatible with most peaceful fish and invertebrates. Its dense structure offers excellent hiding spots for fry and shrimp. However, avoid keeping it with rough or herbivorous species that may damage its stems.

Submersion and Aquascaping

This species grows fully submerged in aquariums and is also suitable for emersed growth in paludariums. In aquascaping, it’s most often used as a background plant due to its tall, upright form. Under high light, it can be trimmed frequently to create a bushier, midground effect or even a loose carpet in shallow tanks, though it is not a true carpeting species.