Pogostemon Erectus
Pogostemon erectus
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Lamiaceae
📍 South Asia
Pogostemon erectus is a striking stem plant with needle-like whorled leaves arranged in perfect spirals around each stem. It creates a distinctive, almost Christmas-tree silhouette. It requires CO2 and good nutrients to maintain its compact, fine-textured form.
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by @annawagnon
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tank1 public tank growing Pogostemon Erectus, shown below.
Compatible Livestock
See all 6 →Gentle algae grazers that won't damage delicate foliage and help maintain tank cleanliness
Small, peaceful invertebrates that graze algae without harming plant tissue
Small, non-aggressive fish that won't uproot or damage the plant structure
Algae-eating fish that stay small and won't disturb rooted plants
Compatible stem plant with similar care requirements and growth rates for balanced aquascaping
Slow-growing companion plant with different leaf structure that complements Pogostemon erectus aesthetically
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of vibrant coloration, particularly in new growth
Increase fertilizer dosing frequency to 3-4 times weekly; verify CO2 levels are adequate (30-40 ppm); perform 25% water changes weekly to reset nutrient balance
Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Black Beard)
Green or black algae coating on leaves and stems, reduced photosynthesis, plant decline
Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water column fertilizer and CO2 to boost plant growth; manually remove affected leaves; add algae-eating shrimp or fish
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy stems, rapid deterioration of plant structure
Increase CO2 injection to 30-40 ppm; ensure temperature remains 22-28°C; boost all-in-one fertilizer dosing; perform 30% water change; trim affected portions and replant healthy stems
Poor Growth/Stunting
Minimal new leaf development, weak stems, leaves remaining small and pale
Verify high lighting (8-10 hours daily at 2+ watts per gallon); increase CO2 to optimal levels; dose fertilizers consistently 3x weekly; check that pH is 6.0-7.5 and hardness is 2-15 dGH
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Required for best form
- diet
- Water column and substrate feeding
- light
- High
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Medium
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.