DIFFICULTY Advanced

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT Very High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Required

Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.

GROWTH Fast

Weekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Pogostemon octopus

A striking whorled pogostemon with arm-like fine leaves.

Pogostemon octopus (a form of P. stellatus) radiates long, narrow leaves in whorls that spread like tentacles, making a dramatic, feathery background. It's nutrient-hungry and CO2-dependent, showing pale tops fast if nitrogen or dosing run short.
Shrimp friendly High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementBackground
Typical height8–18 in
Typical width6 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height12 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR50–130
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingVery High
Overall fertilizer demandVery High
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsHigh
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F
pH5.5–7
GH1–12 dGH
KH0–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems individually with space; replant trimmed tops to thicken the group.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Submersed leaves differ from emersed stock; expect a transition after planting.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Lower leaves drop and color fades without strong light, CO2 and iron.