Here is all about Pogostemon stellatus “Octopus” — a unique, fast-growing aquarium stem plant prized for its long, flowing leaves and bushy appearance that resembles the arms of an octopus.

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Pogostemon stellatus “Octopus”

• Common Names: Pogostemon Octopus, Pogostemon “Eusteralis”, Octopus Plant

• Family: Lamiaceae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (cultivated form, likely a variant of P. stellatus)

🐙 The “Octopus” nickname comes from its long, waving leaves that move like tentacles in the water current.

🌱 Appearance

• Leaves: Long, narrow, slightly curled or flowing; arranged in whorls around the stem

• Color: Light green to yellow-green; tips may become reddish under strong light

• Height: 30 – 60+ cm (12 – 24+ inches)

• Spread: 10 – 15+ cm (4 – 6 inches)

• Growth Habit: Tall, bushy, and feathery with side shoots from trimming

💧 Ideal Tank Conditions

🌾 Growth & Propagation

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Propagation: Trim top shoots and replant in substrate

• Maintenance: Regular trimming keeps the plant compact and encourages bushy growth

• Spacing: Plant stems ~3–5 cm apart to avoid crowding and allow water flow/light

🌟 Aquascaping Uses

• Best as a background plant due to height

• Creates a soft, flowing, forest-like backdrop

• Adds movement and texture to aquascapes

• Contrasts well with round-leaved plants (e.g., Anubias, Crypts) and carpeting plants (Monte Carlo, Hairgrass)

🧠 Care Tips

• Stronger light enhances compactness and occasional reddish tips

• Dose macro (NPK) and micro (especially iron) nutrients for best leaf health

• CO₂ speeds up growth but is not required in high-light, well-fed tanks

• Trim often to prevent overshadowing and encourage lateral shoots

• Avoid stagnant water — the plant likes good flow

⚠️ Potential Issues

• Grows very fast — may overrun low-tech tanks if unchecked

• Leggy growth or weak stems in low light or low nutrients

• Melting or browning tips may signal iron deficiency or poor circulation

• Lower leaves may drop in shaded or overcrowded tanks

🐠 Compatibility

• Very safe for all peaceful community fish, shrimp, and snails

• Offers hiding spots for fry and shrimp

• Avoid with uprooting fish like large cichlids or goldfish

📌 Summary

✅ Why Choose Pogostemon “Octopus”?

• Excellent background filler in large or high-growth tanks

• Great for creating movement and flow in planted layouts

• Ideal for new aquascapers due to fast growth and ease

• Pairs well with slow growers and carpets for depth and contrast