Pogostemon octopus plant: content
In nature, the pogostemon plant is found in tropical fresh water bodies, and in our country it is popular among aquarists. It is quite capricious, but growing will not cause difficulties, given some of the features.
This genus, which belongs to the class of angiosperms, includes about 100 species, some of which are aquatic plants. They, unlike ground ones, feel good in an apartment, although they are very sensitive to conditions. Good lighting is especially important for them, the lack of which leads to the loss of decorativeness and even the death of the plant. For him, lighting is required for at least 12 hours a day. It does not like too dense planting.
The long stems of the pogostemon serve as a good backdrop for the inhabitants of the aquarium.
It does not tolerate fluctuations in water characteristics. The optimum temperature will be from 20 to 26 ° C, neutral acidity, high hardness. Water should be renewed by a quarter weekly. It feeds through the roots, therefore silted soil is preferable for it, regular fertilizing with fertilizers is needed.
Propagated by side shoots or daughter bushes, which are planted in the soil for rooting. When transplanting, you cannot change the water parameters, adaptation takes more than a month, during which the bush sheds leaves, but then grows new ones. It is better to choose an already working aquarium, in which a biological balance has been established, otherwise the seedlings will die.
Description and varieties of the pogostemon plant
The conditions of detention of different species may differ slightly, but the basic requirements are similar. Although these plants belong to the same genus, they are not similar in appearance and have their own characteristics:
- Erectus. Its long stems with thin, needle-like, densely spaced leaves resemble the branches of a Christmas tree. It has a bright green color and strong roots. In length it reaches 40 cm, in width it grows up to 15 cm, requires regular pruning of lateral shoots.
- Pogostemon octopus. Any current causes the smooth movement of long narrow leaves, similar to the tentacles of an octopus, from which this name originated. The green color becomes reddish-brown in good light. The length of the bush reaches 60 cm, the width is half that. To prevent fish from eating delicate leaves, this plant is best placed in a shrimp aquarium.
- Helferi. At home, in Thailand, he is called a little star. Small, only 10 cm in length and width, a bush with curly, curly leaves looks favorably against the background of larger specimens. It should be planted in the foreground or in the middle of the aquarium.
The state of the pogostemon must be constantly monitored. A change in color, yellowing and falling of leaves, a slowdown in growth indicates the need to change something in the conditions of detention.
These beautiful shrubs, when properly cared for, can live up to 4 years, enlivening and beautifying your aquarium. So that they do not disappear, constantly grow new seedlings and give them enough attention.