Pogostemon Stellatus (Pogostemon stellatus) Care Guide
An impressive stem plant with star-shaped whorls of narrow leaves that range from green to pink-purple under high light. Creates a dramatic vertical accent in the background of Dutch-style aquascapes.
Overview
Pogostemon stellatus is an aquatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. An impressive stem plant with star-shaped whorls of narrow leaves that range from green to pink-purple under high light. Creates a dramatic vertical accent in the background of Dutch-style aquascapes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Pogostemon
- Scientific name: Pogostemon stellatus
- Other names: Broad Leaf Star Plant, Eusteralis Stellata
Habitat
Native to South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Grows in seasonally flooded wetlands. Several geographic and horticultural forms circulate in the hobby ("Octopus", "Dassen", "Narrow Leaf"); under intense light and CO2 the whorled leaves develop pink to violet colouration.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: high
- Growth rate: medium
- Difficulty: advanced
Placement
- Recommended placement: background
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Trim every: 10 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).