A dramatic plant for Nature Aquarium, forest, and triangular layouts
Its tall stems create impressive background structure in planted tanks.
Best for experienced planted aquariums
Strong lighting and stable nutrients help the plant grow its best form.
Unique star-shaped leaf structure
The striking foliage stands out among typical stem plants.
Forms tall flowing plant groups
Dense stems build lush vertical backgrounds.
Adds dynamic texture to aquascapes
Its intricate foliage creates visual movement in planted layouts.
Origin: Asia and Australia
Type: Stem plant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Size: Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 in) Width: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Natural Habitat: Pogostemon stellatus grows in shallow rivers and wetlands with strong sunlight and flowing water, often forming dense stands along riverbanks.
Special Considerations: This species prefers strong lighting and stable nutrient levels. Consistent trimming helps maintain the plant’s distinctive star-shaped growth pattern.
Did You Know?
The species name “stellatus” comes from the Latin word for “star-shaped.” This refers to the plant’s unique leaf arrangement, where narrow leaves radiate outward from the stem like the points of a star.
Tank Size: 40 L (10 gallons) or larger recommended to allow this tall plant to develop its full structure.
Plant Placement: Typically used in the background, where its star-shaped leaves add striking texture to aquascapes. It pairs well with plants such as Rotala orange juice and Limnophila sessiliflora, while foreground plants like Glossostigma elatinoides or dwarf hairgrass help create depth. Midground plants such as Bucephalandra can add structural contrast.
Compatibility: Suitable for planted aquariums with scissortail rasboras, Congo tetras, gouramis, shrimp, and snails. The tall stems provide shaded areas for fish, while shrimp such as blue dream shrimp and bamboo shrimp may feed on microorganisms along the foliage. Its unique texture also enhances the visual appearance of large schooling fish.
Substrate Performs best in nutrient-rich planted substrates that support strong root development and stable growth. In inert substrates (sand or gravel), supplementing with root fertilizers such as Osmocote capsules can help provide essential nutrients. Iron supplements such as Iron EDTA capsules may also benefit red and orange stem plants by supporting stronger coloration and healthy new growth.
Light: Strong lighting (50–80 PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–10 dGH)
CO₂: Recommended.
Care & Propagation: Regular trimming encourages denser growth. Replant healthy cuttings to propagate new plants.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected stem bundle (typically 5–7 stems), freshly trimmed and ready for aquarium planting.
Plant Size Stems are usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall at the time of packaging.
Plant Type Submerged-grown aquarium stem plants, ready to plant directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping Some leaves may melt or change appearance after planting as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. This is a normal transition and new submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the protective plastic packaging.
- 2.Gently remove the filter floss and rubber band holding the stems together.
- 3.Rinse the stems gently with clean water.
- 4.Separate the bundle into individual stems.
- 5.Plant each stem about 2–3 cm (1–1.5 in) deep into the substrate.
- 6.Leave small spacing between stems so they have room to grow and spread.
- 7.If a stem floats out, plant it slightly deeper or at a slight angle to help it anchor.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set can make planting stem plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
