Cyperus helferi

Cyperus helferi is a bushy plant, easily cultivated in the aquarium. Tufts of this plant can reach up to 40cm tall. Width of the leaf is about 5-7mm. The leaf blade is thin and hard, which is unusual for underwater plant. This is not surprising, because Cyperus helferi is one of the few Cyperus species that can grow submersed.
In the aquarium, Cyperus is propagated by separation of daughter plants from the rhizome. It also regularly keeps forming offshoots with daughter plants. The latter method of propagation, however, is not popular among hobbyists.

This plant is not really difficult to grow, but Cyperus requires rather long adaptation period to new conditions. Low levels of nutrients in the water and in the substrate can be enough to keep the plant alive while slowing its growth. If water is rich with macro and micronutrients Cyperus has a stable moderate growth rate. Its growth rate is also benefits, as with most plants, from additional CO2 injection.

It is recommended to trim the leaves at the base of the plant instead of cutting them in half. Otherwise, damaged leaf stops growing and later becomes yellow and eventually dies. It looks the best in the background of the layout.