Heteranthera zosterifolia (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Heteranthera zosterifolia, commonly known as Brazilian micro sword or Ribbon Leaf, is a fast-growing aquatic plant that creates a lush, dense appearance with narrow, bright green leaves. It is ideal for creating a vibrant, natural look in the midground or background of aquariums. Here’s a concise care guide for this plant:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks of 10 gallons or larger.
• Lighting: Moderate to high; bright lighting encourages faster growth and helps the plant maintain its green color.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F); thrives in tropical conditions.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH).
• Substrate: Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, and adding root tabs can help promote healthy root development. It can also grow well with liquid fertilizers.
• Growth Rate: Fast; will spread quickly and may need regular trimming to keep it from overtaking the aquarium.
• CO2 Requirement: Optional; while CO2 supplementation will enhance growth and overall plant health, it is not absolutely necessary.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to prevent overgrowth and maintain the plant’s shape. Trim back any excess growth to control its spread.
• Fertilization: Liquid fertilizers rich in iron, potassium, and trace elements will help sustain healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Water Flow: Prefers moderate water flow; excessive current can cause the plant to become dislodged or uprooted.
• Placement: Ideal for midground or background placement in aquascapes. It can grow tall, so ensure it has space to spread.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting stems and replanting the cuttings. This will encourage new growth from the cuttings.

Heteranthera zosterifolia is a hardy, fast-growing plant that adds beautiful, lush greenery to aquariums. With its fast growth and bright color, it is an excellent choice for creating a vibrant aquascape with minimal maintenance.