Pogostemon Stellatus Dassen

Pogostemon stellatus 'Dassen' produces whorls of narrow, star-shaped leaves that flare open at every node, and under strong light the upper growth shifts from green into pink and violet. It is one of the most striking background stems in the hobby, and one of the most honest about its requirements — give it less than it asks for and it tells you immediately.

What You'll Receive

• Sold as loose Fresh-cut plants, Bunched plants, or Potted plants
• Fresh-cut plants | Approx. 6 stems, loose fresh-cut stems without root
• Bunched plants | Approx. 6 fresh-cut stems without root, bundled with foam, and lead weight
• Potted plants | Approx. 6 fresh-cut stems without root, potted with net pot and rockwool

Plant Profile

• Common name — Stellatus Dassen
• Scientific name — Pogostemon stellatus 'Dassen'
• Also known as — Eusteralis stellata 'Dassen'
• Origin — Southeast Asia and northern Australia
• Placement — Background
• Shipped size — Approx. 6 fresh-cut stems, roughly 4-8 inches
• Mature height — 10-20 inches
• Suits — 20 gallons and up
• Growth rate — Fast

Care

• Difficulty — Advanced
• Light — High
• CO₂ — Recommended
• Water — 72-82°F, pH 6.0-7.0
• Substrate — Required. Nutrient-rich soil or root tabs, plus water column dosing
• Growth habit — Amphibious stem, feeds from roots and water column
• Propagation — Cuttings — trim and replant stem tops

Grower's Notes

• Stunted tips almost always mean low nitrate or low iron. Pogostemon stellatus is the first plant in a tank to show a deficiency. When new growth comes in twisted, pale, or with shrunken leaves, the shortfall is nutrients, not light or CO₂ — check nitrate first, then micros.
• The whorls only open under strong light. In medium light the leaves stay short and hug the stem. High light is what makes them flare out into the star shape the plant is bought for.
• Trim to a node and replant the top. Cut stems grow back bushier from below the cut, and the removed tops root readily. The lower thirds of old stems tend to go bare, so rotating fresh tops in keeps the stand full.
• Give it room to lean. At 10 to 20 inches this fills the back of a tank and shades whatever sits behind it. Plant it a few inches from the rear glass so light reaches the lower nodes.
• Stability matters more than perfection. This species reacts badly to swinging CO₂ and inconsistent dosing. A steady, moderate routine grows better Dassen than an aggressive one that varies week to week. Also available as sterile Dassen Vitro Culture.

Want to go deeper? Read our complete Pogostemon Care Guide.

Notes

• Pictures are not the actual plants you will receive, but a sample representation. Unless specific, we don't guarantee aquatic plants will be free of pests, and pesticides, grow emerged, or submerge.
• Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.

At a glance

• Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
• Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
• Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
• USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
• UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
• Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
• We ship within the United States only.

Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.

The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.

How it works

• Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
• Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
• We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.

Good to know

• Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
• Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
• Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.

The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.