Care Guide
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Pogostemon Stellatus Narrow Leaf
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate to intense
Growth Rate
Fast in optimal conditions
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Background, or carefully trimmed, in the mid-ground
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Pogostemon stellatus was originally sold under the generic name, Eusteralis, and although it changed a long time ago, you still occasionally see that name. This species is very variable in the wild, and can look quite different, from very fine, thin leaves to much broader, depending on where the original material was collected. The narrow leafed one sold by Florida Aquatic Nurseries has attractive narrow leaves and is a good grower. Pogostemon stellatus is a good plant for a well managed high light tank with supplemental CO2 and regular nutrient supply. It will stunt quickly if nutrients are in short supply. It responds favorably to very intense light, and will become very red, as shown in the photos from the wild. In an aquarium with good conditions but less bright light, it will still grow well, but will be greener. This is true even in the wild. While it prefers sunny locations, it will also grow in the shade, but in these locations, the leaves are not as red.
About the Pogostemon Genus
Family — Lamiaceae
Pogostemon are stem plants in the Lamiaceae family with distinctive whorled leaves. Several species are demanding — strong light and CO2 produce their best color and form, while low light leads to thin, stretched stems.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Family Name: Lamiaceae
- Scientific name
- Pogostemon Stellatus Narrow Leaf
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to
- Asia and Australia
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Relatively demanding
- Lighting
- Moderate to intense
- Growth rate
- Fast in optimal conditions
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Background, or carefully trimmed, in the mid-ground
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Pro Tips for Growing Family Name: Lamiaceae
- 1Pogostemon helferi (downoi) needs strong light and CO2 to stay compact — without them it stretches upward.
- 2Don't bury the leaves when planting; only the roots go into the substrate.
Common Care Issues
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Family Name: Lamiaceae need?
Family Name: Lamiaceae (Pogostemon Stellatus Narrow Leaf) prefers moderate to intense lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Family Name: Lamiaceae need CO2?
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Is Family Name: Lamiaceae good for beginners?
Family Name: Lamiaceae is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Family Name: Lamiaceae grow?
Growth rate is fast in optimal conditions. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Lamiaceae?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Family Name: Lamiaceae — $19.99
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