Pogostemon stellatus ‘Narrowleaf’

🌿 Introduction
Pogostemon stellatus ‘Narrowleaf’ is a refined stem plant that adds elegance and movement to planted aquariums. Its slim leaves rise in graceful clusters, shifting from bright green to bronze and red under strong light and nutrients. This variety is a true stellatus form, valued by aquascapers for its vivid color potential and upright growth.

🌱 Plant Profile

• Type: Stem plant

• Origin: Asia and northern Australia

• Position: Midground to background

• Growth Rate: Medium to fast

• Lighting: Medium to high

• CO₂: Recommended for best color and compact form

• Height / Spread: 8–20 in (20–50 cm) tall · 4–6 in (10–15 cm) spread

• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 · GH 3–10 · KH 1–6

✅ Care Summary

• Plant in small groups, leaving space for light and circulation.

• Trim regularly to encourage branching and prevent legginess.

• Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate and supplemental fertilization.

• Hardy once established, but may shed lower leaves if shaded.

• Excellent for creating vertical texture and red highlights in aquascapes.

• Can adapt to terrariums or paludariums in humid, wet conditions.

🌿 Q&A

Q: Does Pogostemon stellatus ‘Narrowleaf’ need CO₂?
A: It can grow without CO₂, but supplementation brings out its best color and form.

Q: How often should I trim it?
A: Every 2–3 weeks is ideal to keep stems compact and to encourage bushy side growth.

Q: Is this plant beginner-friendly?
A: Pogostemon stellatus ‘Narrowleaf’ is considered an intermediate plant due to its light and nutrient needs. It should not be confused with Pogostemon stellatus ‘Octopus’ (P. quadrifolius), which is much easier and has very thin, grassy leaves.

More About Pogostemon stellatus ‘Narrowleaf’
In nature, Pogostemon stellatus grows along riverbanks, marshes, and flooded fields across Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Narrow-leaved forms thrive in flowing water, reaching toward the surface while providing cover for small fish and fry. During seasonal changes, it may grow emersed, producing different leaf forms above water.

For aquascapers, this plant offers versatility and color transformation. Under strong lighting and CO₂, leaves transition from green to bronze and even purple tones, making it a dramatic background feature. Its upright stems and refined leaf shape create natural rhythm and movement, making it a centerpiece in both nature-style and Dutch-style aquascapes.