ADA Cyperus helferi

Cyperus helferi, native to the freshwater regions of Thailand, is a captivating aquatic plant admired for both its unique appearance and graceful movement in the aquarium.

How to use Cyperus helferi

Growing to a height of 35cm+, it forms a compact rosette of slender, lance-shaped leaves that spread out to 15-25 cm in width. The plant’s rich green foliage provides a striking contrast to other aquatic plants and adds a lush, textured backdrop to underwater landscapes. It is best to plant with thicker tweezers so you can get a good grip of the base of the plant, it can be grown in aquasoil, sand or gravel, root tabs can be used to provide base nutrition.

Plant Maintenance

It prefers bright lighting conditions, and it is recommended to provide a moderate to high level of light to support its growth. The addition of CO2 is also beneficial, as it helps the plant to flourish and achieve a more vibrant, dense form. 

While not overly demanding, Cyperus helferi does best in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters, especially with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.5-7.5) and soft to moderately hard water. It does not need high fertilisation but benefits from the occasional addition of micronutrients and trace elements to ensure healthy growth and vibrant foliage. The plant can be used as a mid-ground or background plant in aquascapes, depending on the desired effect and tank size.

Cyperus helferi doesn't seem to take well to being trimmed so we recommend removing longer or undesirable stems from the base, as close as you can to the 'crown' of the plant. Trimming it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and melt.

Cyperus helferi Growth Information