Propagating Pogostemon stellatus from Cuttings

Pogostemon stellatus is a fast-growing whorled stem plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to East and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia, and widely prized in aquascaping. Its rapid growth makes cutting propagation simple: trim the stems, replant the cut pieces, and each cut typically produces two to three new shoots. This guide covers topping and replanting, keeping freshly cut stems anchored before they root, and the conditions and trimming rhythm that bring out the pink-to-purple coloration the plant develops near the surface in brighter setups.

Overview

Pogostemon stellatus is an aquatic perennial flowering plant from the family Lamiaceae, distributed across East and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia. Its wide range gives rise to many colors and leaf forms, and it is a highly prized decorative and functional species in the aquascaping hobby.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

The plant grows quickly, so you trim the stems and plant the cut pieces in the substrate to fill empty space. Cuttings root quickly and produce about two to three small stems each where the cuts are made, which is how a single group is multiplied into a dense stand.

Step-by-Step

Trim a healthy stem, cutting the top 5-10 cm above a whorl of leaves.
Strip the lowest leaves from the cutting so the buried section stays clean.
Plant the cut piece into the substrate; before it roots it can be hard to keep down, so use plant weights to stop it floating away.
Leave the cut stem in place; it will produce roughly two to three new stems at each cut point.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This stem plant grows under low to medium light and offers good cover for fish and shrimp. In high-tech, brighter setups the leaves start turning purple once they are roughly 4-5 inches from the surface, so stronger light is what brings out the pink-to-purple coloration near the top of the stems.

Trimming & Maintenance

Once established it can grow quite tall in a short time and may require regular trimming. Topping and replanting both controls height and multiplies the plant, and frequent trims keep a colored, even canopy near the light.