{"product_id":"pogostemon-erectus","title":"Pogostemon Erectus","description":"\u003cp\u003ePogostemon erectus (now scientifically classified as Pogostemon deccanensis) is a popular, vibrant green freshwater aquarium stem plant native to India. Highly valued in aquascaping, it is famous for its compact, vertical growth and unique needle-like leaves that mimic the look of a miniature pine or conifer forest underwater. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssential Overview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkill Level: Intermediate \/ Medium-demanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacement: Midground to Background. Ideal for corners or hiding equipment like filters and heaters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth Rate: Moderate to fast. It reaches heights between 15 to 40 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAesthetic: Crisp lime-green starburst whorls. Under intense lighting, the tips can display an eye-catching yellowish or even subtle pinkish-red hue. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCore Care Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo keep this plant healthy, bushy, and compact, you should aim for a high-tech or well-managed setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLighting: Medium to high intensity. Strong lighting prevents the stems from stretching out and keeps the growth dense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCO₂ Supplementation: Highly recommended. While it can survive in low-CO₂ environments, consistent injection (around 6–14 mg\/L) ensures vibrant coloration and prevents lower leaf melt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate \u0026amp; Nutrients: Requires a nutrient-rich aquarium soil or substrate. It has a heavy, vigorous root system that feeds heavily on fertilizers and iron supplements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Conditions: Thrives best in temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, and soft to moderate water hardness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning and Propagation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it grows vertically, routine trimming is required to maintain its shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrimming: Cut the stem right above a leaf node.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBranching: The remaining base plant will branch out heavily, creating a thicker bush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReplanting: Take the cut tops (head cuttings) and push them back into the substrate. They will rapidly form new roots and grow independently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmersed Growth \u0026amp; Flowering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf allowed to break the water surface in a \"pond-style\" tank, or if grown in a humid terrarium, Pogostemon erectus transitions to its emersed form. Out of the water, its leaf texture changes and it produces beautiful, delicate purple flower spikes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53440687604009,"sku":null,"price":13.75,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/4325\/2521\/files\/Micro-Pellets_20260821_025256_0000.png?v=1787266449","url":"https:\/\/jasminaquaticsstore.com\/products\/pogostemon-erectus","provider":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}