Pogostemon stellatus Octopus

Water parameters

Light and nutrients

Substrate type: rooted. Propagation: stem cutting.

Substrate compatibility

With fish

Origin and habitat

Native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, found in marshes, rice paddies, and slow-moving waterways. The 'Octopus' form (Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus' or 'Broad Leaf') has narrow, wavy leaves arranged in star-shaped whorls that create a distinctive, flowing texture. The leaves can reach 10–15 cm long and are narrow (3–5 mm wide), often with wavy or undulating margins. Under strong light, the leaf tips and upper whorls develop pink to reddish-purple coloring. The whorled, tentacle-like leaf arrangement gives the cultivar its 'Octopus' trade name. A dramatic background plant for larger tanks (100 L) where its size and flowing texture can be fully appreciated. The genus Pogostemon is primarily terrestrial (P. cablin produces patchouli oil), but a handful of species including P. stellatus adapt well to fully submerged aquatic growth. P. stellatus has multiple named trade forms beyond 'Octopus': the standard form has shorter, broader leaves; 'Octopus' and 'Broad Leaf' refer to longer-leaved selections. Tissue culture specimens are widely available from major aquatic plant producers. The whorled leaf arrangement creates a visual rhythm along the stem that's distinctive in the background of planted tanks.

Care notes

Moderate to demanding. Requires moderate to high light and CO2 injection for the compact, colorful growth that makes the plant visually striking. Under low light, the internodes elongate, the leaf whorls space out, and the plant loses its dense, octopus-like form. Plant stems in groups of 3-5. Growth is moderate to fast under good conditions. Trim tops and replant. Iron and micronutrient dosing supports the pink-red coloring in the upper portions. Temperature: 22–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water. The narrow, flowing leaves create a unique texture that contrasts well with broad-leaved plants and tight-growing mosses. In aquascaping competitions, P. stellatus Octopus is used as a dramatic background element where its star-shaped whorls and flowing leaves add visual movement and complexity. Available from specialty aquatic plant retailers as tissue culture. Propagation by stem cuttings: cut the top 10–15 cm and replant. The cut lower stem may produce side shoots but less reliably than easier species like Hygrophila or Ludwigia. Available from specialty retailers as tissue culture or potted specimens.

Further reading

• CO2 injection for planted tanks: what it costs, what it does, and when to skip it
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean