Downoi (Pogostemon helferi) care guide
Pogostemon helferi · Lamiaceae
Downoi (Pogostemon helferi) (Pogostemon helferi) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to North-east India to Indo-China; aquarium stock traces to western Thailand (Kanchanaburi) on the Myanmar border. It needs medium to high light. Water temperature: 20°C – 28°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Moderate. Growth rate: slow to moderate.
How do you care for Downoi (Pogostemon helferi)?
| Light | Medium to High (about 0.5 – 1 W/L; weak light gives taller, looser, yellowish growth, strong light compact 5–8 cm rosettes) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Recommended |
| Temperature | 20°C – 28°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Foreground, midground in nano tanks, or tied onto stone or wood |
| Growth | Slow to Moderate |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Downoi (Pogostemon helferi)?
Remove whole older shoots rather than shearing the top, so light reaches the lower growth. Propagate by splitting side shoots or plantlets off the clump, or by stem cuttings taken below a node.
What problems affect Downoi (Pogostemon helferi)?
Pale yellow new leaves from iron shortage (or too little light); long internodes and loose growth in weak light; shoots die back after being bruised during handling.
How do you fix Downoi (Pogostemon helferi) problems?
Dose an iron-containing liquid fertiliser and raise the light; before planting remove old leaves and roots, hold it by the base and plant with tweezers.
Where does Downoi (Pogostemon helferi) come from?
North-east India to Indo-China; aquarium stock traces to western Thailand (Kanchanaburi) on the Myanmar border · Biotope regions: South-east Asia.
What should you know before buying Downoi (Pogostemon helferi)?
Wild populations in Thailand have declined through collection for the aquarium trade — prefer nursery-grown or tissue-culture plants.
Sources
- Pogostemon helferi (Hook.f.) Press — Kew – Plants of the World Online
- Pogostemon helferi — Wikipedia
- Pogostemon helferi – plant details — Tropica
- Pogostemon helferi (article) — Tropica
- Pogostemon helferi – Downoi — Flowgrow aquatic plant database
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Downoi (Pogostemon helferi)?
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides