Pogostemon quadrifolius

Care at a glance

Overview

One of the more forgiving fine-leaved stems, it grows fast under medium to high light and does not strictly need CO2, though injection keeps it denser and more compact. Feed regular macros and micros and trim often, because it shoots up quickly and can shade plants behind it. Replant the trimmed tops to fill out a bushy background stand.

In the wild

A fine-leaved stem plant native to India, eastern Bangladesh and parts of Southeast Asia, where it grows in marshy and shallow water margins. It has fine needle-like leaves arranged in whorls, giving each stem a soft, feathery, bottle-brush profile.

Good to know

It sits in the mint family Lamiaceae and takes its species name from the whorls of four leaves at each node. It is frequently sold under the incorrect trade name Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus', but it is a distinct species from Pogostemon stellatus.

Did you know

Despite looking like a demanding high-tech stem, it is genuinely beginner-friendly and will grow in low-tech tanks, which is unusual for a plant with such delicate needle-leaf foliage.

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