Description
Pogostemon stellatus ‘Dassen’ is a striking and vibrant aquatic plant characterized by its long, needle-like leaves that can exhibit a wide range of colors, including green, red, orange, and purple. It is particularly prized in aquascaping for its vibrant hues and dynamic vertical growth, making it a favorite for adding dramatic color contrast to planted aquariums.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: High intensity. Strong lighting is essential to bring out the vibrant coloration and maintain compact growth.
- CO₂ Requirement: High levels of CO₂ are necessary for optimal growth and coloration.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
- pH: 5.5 to 7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH)
- Nutrients: Requires a nutrient-rich substrate and regular fertilization, especially with iron and micronutrients, to enhance color and promote healthy growth.
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, depending on the level of care and environmental conditions.
- Pruning: Regular trimming is necessary to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from overshadowing others.
Planting and Propagation
- Planting: Plant individual stems into a nutrient-rich substrate. Ensure adequate spacing to allow light to reach the lower leaves.
- Propagation: Propagates by cutting the top portion of a stem and replanting it. The trimmed stems will produce side shoots, encouraging a fuller appearance.
- Uses in Aquascaping
- Background Plant: Ideal for creating a vibrant backdrop in aquariums.
- Highlight Plant: Its bright colors can be used to draw attention to specific areas of the aquascape.
- Color Contrast: Pairs beautifully with green plants for a striking contrast.
- Tank Size: Best suited for medium to large tanks due to its height potential.
*Due to natural variations, the product may differ in appearance from the picture provided.*