Heteranthera zosterifolia
A spiky, branching stem with narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged in tight whorls — like an underwater juniper. Branches sideways more than most stems, so trim aggressively to keep it from sprawling into neighbours. Reliable colour: bright green throughout, no red flush to chase.
Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) is a stem aquatic plant for the background to midground of a planted tank. It reaches 20–40 cm under good conditions and grows at a fast rate. Light: medium to high. CO₂: recommended. Target 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Substrate: Tolerant. Propagate via top cuttings — also branches readily.
Care at a glance
A spiky, branching stem with narrow lance-shaped leaves arranged in tight whorls — like an underwater juniper. Branches sideways more than most stems, so trim aggressively to keep it from sprawling into neighbours. Reliable colour: bright green throughout, no red flush to chase.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether stargrass fits in your tank.
Pontederiaceae
Stem
Background to midground
Tolerant
Top cuttings — also branches readily
Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay
Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: recommended. Light requirement: medium to high. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a fast rate.
Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) needs medium to high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background to midground. Substrate: Tolerant It typically reaches 20–40 cm.
Propagation method: Top cuttings — also branches readily. Stargrass is a stem plant.
Target 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
