Pogostemon Erectus care guide
Pogostemon Erectus (Pogostemon erectus) — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Pogostemon Erectus (Pogostemon erectus) is an aquatic plant of the family Lamiaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A distinctive stem plant with densely packed needle-like leaves that form bright-green pine-tree-shaped bushes. Creates a unique coniferous texture in the midground or background and responds well to regular trimming by producing denser growth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Pogostemon
- Scientific name: Pogostemon erectus
Habitat
Pogostemon is a Lamiaceae genus of marsh plants found in southern and South-East Asia, frequently growing in seasonally flooded fields and along stream margins. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from India.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
Background stem for groups; the upright fluffy growth of erectus and deccanensis creates strong vertical accents. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under medium light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Cuttings replanted into the substrate root quickly; horizontal forms such as Kimberley spread sideways and are divided once dense. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Curling new leaves or stunted tips often indicate calcium deficiency in soft water; supplementing GH with a remineraliser corrects the issue.