Propagating Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus'

How to propagate Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus' from stem cuttings and topping: replanting trimmed tops, light and CO2 for branching, and a tidy trimming routine.

Overview

Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus' is a narrow-leaf cultivar of Pogostemon stellatus, an aquatic perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to East and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia. The parent species is variable in leaf form and color across its range and is highly prized in the aquascaping hobby; modern cultivars include 'Dassen', 'Kimberley', 'Narrowleaf' and 'Octopus'. The 'Octopus' form carries long, thin leaves that wave in the current like tentacles.

As a fast-growing stem plant it is multiplied vegetatively from cuttings, the standard method for the species.

Propagation Method

Propagation is by stem cuttings and topping. You cut off the top of a growing stem and replant the trimming in the substrate, where it roots and continues upward. Cutting the tops also makes the lower part of the plant branch out several times, multiplying your stock while building a denser background. Branching is much more pronounced in CO2-injected aquariums.

Step-by-Step

Choose a healthy stem with good color and an unbroken growing tip.
Cut off the top section, around 15 cm (6 inches) or a bit more.
Strip the lowest leaves so a clean length of stem can be buried.
Plant the cutting into nutrient-rich substrate, anchoring with a weight if it floats.
Leave the rooted base in place so it branches into several new shoots.
Group cuttings together to form a full, bushy background stand.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This freshwater cultivar suits temperatures of about 22-28 C, pH 5.5-7 and soft to moderately hard water, with high light and CO2 to bring out pink and orange tones and the strongest branching. It will tolerate lower light, but growth and color are far better with bright lighting and added CO2. A nutrient-rich substrate feeds its fibrous roots and fast growth.

Trimming & Maintenance

This is a fast grower, so trim often, roughly every 10 days. Topping keeps the stand dense, evens the heights and lets the lower stems branch, and the cut tops become your next batch of plants. Aquatic stem plants take replanting well and regrow roots quickly, so after several cycles you can lift the old bases, discard them and replant fresh, vigorous tops to keep the group healthy.

Common Challenges

Cuttings floating loose: weight or bury them firmly until roots anchor the stems.
Weak color and sparse branching: increase light and add CO2 for pink-orange tones.
Stunted growth after import: float half-converted stems near the surface to ease the transition.
Overgrowth: it grows tall fast, so trim on a regular cadence to prevent shading below.