Stellatus Pogostemon

The whorls of narrow leaves radiate from the stem in star-like layers, which is what the species name refers to. Pogostemon stellatus is a stem plant from Southeast Asia that demands strong light and stable CO₂ injection — it is genuinely difficult, not just labelled that way because of slow growth.

Each node produces 6 to 10 narrow, pointed leaves in a circle around the stem. Under high light and good iron dosing the leaves develop reddish or purple tones, especially toward the top of the stem. The lower leaves drop quickly if shaded by upper growth or if light is insufficient.

It needs strong light, with no low or medium tolerance, and consistent CO₂ at 20 to 40 mg/l. Temperatures of 24 to 28 °C and pH 5 to 7 in soft water are the steady conditions it requires.

Regular trimming is essential. Each cut produces two new shoots below the cut, which keeps the group dense. Without trimming, the stems grow straight to the surface and the lower half becomes a bare stalk. Propagation is by cuttings. It grows emersed in moist conditions and produces small, purple flowers above the surface.