Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ – ADA Tissue Culture

Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ is a striking and vibrant stem plant popular among aquascapers for its delicate needle-like leaves and bright pink to purple coloration. This species, ideal for high-light aquariums, brings a beautiful splash of color to any aquascape, whether as a midground or background feature. With its finely textured foliage, Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ is perfect for creating contrast in aquascapes.

Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, the plant arrives pest-free, disease-free, and free of algae or snails, making it a healthy, ready-to-grow option for aquascaping enthusiasts.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Medium to high lighting is required to promote vibrant color and healthy growth in Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’. Higher lighting will bring out the best coloration, particularly the purples and pinks, while in lower light conditions, the plant may remain more green and will grow more slowly.

• CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended. This plant thrives with CO2 injection and will exhibit faster growth, better coloration, and a healthier overall appearance when CO2 is provided. Without CO2, growth may become leggy, and the color may fade.

• Substrate: Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, such as ADA Aqua Soil or other high-quality planted tank substrates. This will ensure that the plant receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Root tabs can also be used for added nutrients.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (Acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (1 – 8 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container. The plant will be embedded in a nutrient-rich gel, which protects it during transport.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Remove the plant from the container and rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all gel from the roots and stems to avoid introducing contaminants into the aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • Separate the plant into smaller clumps or portions. Tissue culture plants typically come with multiple stems that can be divided. These smaller portions are easier to plant and will allow the plant to spread faster once in the substrate.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, plant each portion of Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ into the substrate, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. This will allow the plant to grow and spread, eventually forming a thick bushy cluster.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially when provided with high lighting and CO2. The plant will grow vertically, making it ideal for background planting, though regular trimming can keep it more compact.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to keep the plant looking compact and bushy. Trimming the top portions of the plant encourages lateral growth and helps maintain a dense and attractive appearance. The trimmings can be replanted to propagate new plants.

• Fertilization: A steady supply of liquid fertilizers is essential to maintain vibrant growth. This plant requires both macronutrients (NPK: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients (such as iron) for healthy development and color. Dosing liquid fertilizers alongside root tabs can help provide the necessary nutrients.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration: To achieve the most vibrant purples and pinks in Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’, ensure that the plant receives strong lighting and CO2 supplementation. Iron supplements will further enhance the coloration.

• Placement: This plant is ideal for use as a midground or background feature in aquascapes. Its needle-like leaves provide a beautiful contrast against broader-leaved plants and can create depth in the aquarium. Planting it in groups will give it the best visual effect.

• Compatibility: Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ is compatible with most community fish and shrimp. Its fine foliage can provide shelter for small fish, fry, and invertebrates.

Challenges:

• Light and CO2 Sensitivity: This plant requires strong lighting and CO2 to thrive. In low-light or low-CO2 environments, growth may slow, and the plant may become leggy, with fewer vibrant colors. Maintaining the appropriate water parameters and ensuring consistent fertilization will help mitigate these challenges.

Summary:

Pogostemon Stellatus ‘Dassen’ is a beautiful, delicate stem plant with needle-like leaves that range from green to vibrant purples and pinks, especially under high light and CO2. This plant is ideal for aquascapers looking to add a splash of color and texture to their tanks. It grows best in nutrient-rich substrates, and its fast growth makes it an ideal background plant that will create a lush, bushy effect with proper trimming.

Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, the plant is free from contaminants and pests, giving you a healthy start in your aquarium setup. Follow the simple tissue culture preparation steps to ensure the plant thrives in your tank and enhances the beauty of your aquascape.