Pogostemon stellatus

The Water star is a beautiful fine-leaved, relatively large stem plant from wetlands in tropical Asia and Australia. Pogostemon stellatus, also known as Eusteralis stellata and Dysophylla stellata, is a variable species that also includes broad leaved forms like “Broad Leaf”. One of the narrow-leaf forms is partly labeled as P. stellatus “Strong” but has the same fine submerged foliage as other “normal” P. stellatus.
The Water star is mostly delivered in its emersed (terrestrial) form, with green leaves. Planted into the aquarium, it unfolds its whole splendour, growing new shoots with very narrow, light green to reddish purple leaves in whorls. The shoots get more than 10 cm in diameter and are branched.

Pogostemon stellatus needs rather strong light, addition of CO₂ and a good nutrient supply. Micronutrient deficiencies may lead to pale leaves. The plant is a good indicator for the nutrient situation in the tank. Pogostemon stellatus prefers higher temperatures (approx. 24-28 °C) and soft to medium-hard water. Growth may stagnate from time to time even though the conditions are good. It is easily propagated by cuttings.

Pogostemon stellatus looks most magnificent as a group or large bush in the midground to background of large aquariums. Occasional trimming promotes bushy growth. The plant is also suited as emersed plant for well-lit paludariums and Wabi-Kusa, however its emersed green leaves are rather inconspicuous. One can expect its pretty purple flower spikes under short day conditions (coherent dark phase of more than 12 hours per day).

• Family Name : Lamiaceae
• Origin : Asia
• Height : 5-10”
• pH : 6.5-7.5
• Temperature : 15-32°C

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