Yatabeanus Pogostemon

The stems are thick and robust, carrying whorls of narrow, pointed leaves that give Pogostemon yatabeanus a fuller appearance than the finer-leaved Pogostemon stellatus. It comes from East Asia — Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan — where it grows in marshes and along stream edges in both emersed and submerged forms.

In the aquarium it grows steadily upward and branches willingly when trimmed. Each cut stem produces two new shoots below the cut, so regular trimming quickly turns a single stem into a dense clump. It works well as a mid-to-background plant in groups of several stems.

Provide adequate light and regular nutrient dosing. A temperature range of 22 to 28 °C covers most community tanks. Soft to moderately hard water with slightly acidic to neutral pH keeps it growing steadily.

CO₂ injection improves growth rate and stem density but is not necessary. The leaves remain light green even under intensive lighting; strong light, added CO₂ and regular fertilisation can support rapid growth. Propagation is by cuttings: trim a stem, strip the lower whorls, and replant.