Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus care guide
Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus (Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus (Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus') is an aquatic plant of the family Lamiaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A striking narrow-leaf cultivar of Pogostemon stellatus with long, thin leaves that wave in the current like octopus tentacles. Very popular in Southeast Asian aquascaping. Develops attractive pink and orange tones under high light with CO2 injection.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Pogostemon
- Scientific name: Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus'
- Common synonyms: Octopus Plant, Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus'
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 Southeast Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 50 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
Background stem for groups; the upright fluffy growth of stellatus and related forms creates strong vertical accents. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Cuttings replanted into the substrate root quickly; horizontal forms 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.