Photo: Tom ScavoCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Star Grass Plant Care
Heteranthera dubia MacMill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This aquatic plant is easily recognized by its lance-shaped green leaves with prominent midribs. Originating from South America, Heteranthera dubia's vibrant foliage and low maintenance make it a sought-after addition to aquariums by plant collectors.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Star Grass?
Water Water Star Grass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Water Star Grass Native To?
What Is the Water Star Grass?
Water Star Grass (Heteranthera dubia) belongs to the Pontederiaceae family within the Heteranthera genus. Water Star Grass is native to North and Central America. Water Star Grass is also known as Mud Plantain.
Water Star Grass displays a spreading aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Water Star Grass produces small, delicate blue or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Star Grass?
Heteranthera dubia requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Star Grass Need?
Water Star Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Star Grass Prefer?
Heteranthera dubia grows best at temperatures of 70–80°F. Water Star Grass prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Star Grass?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Water Star Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Star Grass?
Feed Water Star Grass every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Water Star Grass?
Best kept in aquatic containers or ponds. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Water Star Grass?
Water Star Grass can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kidneyleaf mudplantain plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Star Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Star Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Water Star Grass?
Water Star Grass is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Water Star Grass Need?
Water Star Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Water Star Grass is native to North and Central America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Water Star Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Heteranthera genus — compare its care with other Heteranthera species on PlantoScan.
Heteranthera is part of the Pontederiaceae plant family — browse all Pontederiaceae genera and species.
Water Star Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Heteranthera dubia MacMill., family Pontederiaceae (first published in Metasp. Minnesota Valley : 138 (1892)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Star Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Tom Scavo, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Water Star Grass Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species