{"product_id":"pogostemon-stellatus","title":"Pogostemon Stellatus | Pogostemon stellatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePogostemon stellatus, sometimes still sold as Eusteralis stellata, is a bold background stem with narrow, whorled leaves that flush coppery red at the tips under strong light. It is a fast, hungry grower that gives a planted tank real height and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe species grows across South-East Asia and into northern Australia, in seasonal wetlands, ditches and paddy margins that flood and dry through the year. In the aquarium it recreates that habit as a tall submerged stem, and it grows best with good light, nutrients and a nutrient-rich substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlender stems carry whorls of long, narrow leaves that read green in the body and warm to copper, pink and red at the crowns under bright light and good iron. Stems reach around 15–30 cm and more, branching as they are trimmed. The portion sold is a bundle of stems that establishes and reaches for the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacement and Aquascaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA background plant, best in a dense group where the fine whorled foliage forms a soft, colourful backdrop. Trim and replant the tops to keep the stand full, and give it the brightest part of the tank to bring out the coloured crowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Propagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemove the pot, rockwool and any weights, separate the stems, and plant each individually into the substrate. It propagates from cuttings: snip healthy tops and replant them, and the base sends out side shoots for a bushier group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium to high light is needed for compact form and colour; under low light the lower leaves shed and stems grow leggy. CO2 is beneficial rather than essential and greatly improves density and colour. It is a root feeder that appreciates root tabs plus liquid fertiliser and iron for the red tones; keep the water 22–28 °C, pH around 5.5–7.5, and expect fast growth that needs regular trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePogostemon Stellata, Eusteralis Stellata, Star Plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouth-East Asia and northern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–30+ cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBackground\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to High\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeneficial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertilisation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoot tabs (root feeder) plus liquid fertiliser and iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderately hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePropagation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStem cuttings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBackground colour in planted aquascapes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community fish, shrimp and snails suit it well. It makes a fine backdrop for tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish and dwarf cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHerbivorous and digging fish such as silver dollars, large goldfish and many cichlids will strip or uproot the stems. Low light causes lower leaves to drop and the colour to fade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian-grown aquarium plants for in-store collection or local delivery. Sold sizes\/portions reflect what we stock; anything shown as sold out will return as we restock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234105278755,"sku":"AA1297","price":13.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Star_Rotala_Pogostemon_stellatus.jpg?v=1781487088","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/pogostemon-stellatus","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}