Heteranthera zosterifolia - Stargrass

Heteranthera zosterifolia — Stargrass, the Aquascape’s Natural Firework

Heteranthera zosterifolia, commonly known as Stargrass, is one of the most beloved and fast-growing stem plants in the planted tank hobby. Native to South America, it earns its name from the way its narrow, grass-like leaves radiate outward from the stem in a perfect star formation — a detail that becomes even more striking when viewed from above.

Its vivid lime-to-emerald green colour and rapid, vigorous growth make it an exceptional choice for filling in the midground or background quickly, creating lush, layered depth in any aquascape. It’s equally at home in a beginner’s first planted tank as it is in a competition-level Nature Aquarium layout.

Appearance

• Height: 20 – 50 cm (8 – 20 inches); fast-growing background or midground plant
• Leaves: Narrow, grass-like, arranged in a distinctive star pattern around the stem; bright lime to emerald green
• Growth habit: Upright stem plant; branches freely when trimmed, creating a dense, bushy mass

Care & Planting Tips

• Plant in groups of 5+ stems for an immediate, lush effect
• Trim regularly — cutting the tops and replanting encourages dense, multi-stem growth
• Fast grower; benefits from regular liquid fertilization to keep up with nutrient demand
• CO₂ supplementation accelerates growth and maintains the brightest green colouration
• Propagates effortlessly — simply cut and replant any healthy stem segment

Ideal Tank Parameters

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• CO₂: Recommended for best growth rate and colour
• Fertilization: Regular liquid fertilizer; high nutrient demand due to fast growth

Sold as a stem cutting. Due to its rapid growth rate, cuttings ship well and establish quickly in most planted tank setups.