Aquarium plant Octopus

The "Octopus" aquarium plant is a favorite among aquarists due to its unusual look and low maintenance requirements. The plant’s name derives from its long, thin leaves, which give any aquatic habitat a unique appearance and resemble an octopus’ tentacles.

Because they are adaptable and thrive in a range of water conditions, octopus plants are a great choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists. They expand swiftly, giving fish a place to live and breathe, resulting in a more wholesome and harmonious environment in your aquarium.

Apart from their visual allure, Octopus plants serve a practical purpose as well. They assist in limiting the growth of algae by absorbing excess

External characteristics

The unique and eye-catching aquarium pogostemon octopus (Pogostemon Octopus) is native to the warm, murky waters of Southeast Asia. It has a long stem (up to 60 cm) and narrow, frequently occurring leaves that are roughly 9 cm long and 0.6 cm wide. It is therefore best to position it against the aquarium’s back wall.

The octopus’s primary color is green, but it can also take on yellow or even reddish tones based on the amount of iron in the water and the intensity of the light.

Pogostemon’s name comes from the leaves that grow in response to submerged currents; these leaves sway in a manner reminiscent of an octopus’ tentacles ("octopus" means "octopus" in Latin). It is highly demanding, difficult to maintain, and only suitable aquarists should attempt to grow it.

Main species

There are many different species of Pogostemon octopus, but some of the most well-known ones are as follows:

Name	Image	Description
Erectus		The most unpretentious and hardy of all pogostemon species. It is distinguished by short, frequent leaves on a high stem, resembling a spruce branch. Does not tolerate muddy water, grows quickly under intense lighting. In 1-3 months, several branches turn into dense thickets. It is better to plant it in large aquariums in the background.
Helferi		A low plant (up to 15 cm) with figured leaves of a rich green color, quickly grows with lateral shoots. Prefers bright light and nutritious soil. Feels comfortable in established aquariums. Creates a beautiful carpet in the foreground, can be planted on decorative snags.
Stellatus		It is similar in appearance to erectus, but the leaf blade has a pinkish-purple hue from below. It is very whimsical in care. It can die with minor changes in hardness or acidity.
Kimberly		It is distinguished by the presence of serrations along the edge of the leaves. This is a voluminous bush 30-40 cm high, pink-brown. Very fragile, prefers nutritious soil. Good for the central and foreground.
Australian		It has the strongest stem. Young shoots are pink, which over time change color to green. It grows up to 15-20 cm in height, and up to 20 cm in width.

Octopus is a demanding plant; in order to keep it healthy and maintain its beauty, you must adhere to all guidelines.

1. Water. For pogostemon, it is important to maintain not only the chemical indicators within the norm, but also the stability of these indicators in the water. Therefore, many representatives prefer established aquariums with constant water characteristics. If the leaves begin to turn yellow or pale, the plant feels discomfort, you need to check and normalize the indicators (acidity, hardness, temperature) or replace some of the water.
2. Lighting. Octopus is a light-loving plant, with little light it stretches out and fades. The optimal time for it is considered to be 10-12 hours of daylight with fluorescent lamps with a power of 0.5-1.0 W per liter of water.
3. Soil. Since pogostemon octopus has a strong developed root system and the main nutrition is root, it is important to provide reliable soil. The best option would be silted soil, sand, gravel and quartz at least 5-6 cm high are also suitable.
4. Filtration and aeration. The plant develops successfully only in clean water. It is necessary to ensure constant filtration, otherwise plaque accumulates on the leaves and disrupts metabolic processes, preventing full development. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to purchase a powerful aquarium filter.

An anomaly in any of the indicators causes the octopus to instantly react and become less appealing from the outside. The aquatic octopus grows slowly, but in three weeks it can reach its maximum size if all maintenance requirements are satisfied.

Replacing thirty percent of the aquarium’s total volume of water once a week is one of the primary requirements for keeping the octopus in normal condition.

Planting and propagation

Pogostemon should be planted in soil that has been heavily amended, with one cutting per hole and a specific spacing between them. Planting too frequently will deprive the lower leaves of light.

Because the plant stems are quite delicate, caution should be used when planting so as not to break them.

Propagated by keeping the top and side shoots apart. You are free to select any option that works best for you, as long as you follow this order:

• use scissors to cut off a shoot 10-15 cm long;
• then make a depression in the ground and place a piece of clay there;
• then lower the base of the seedling into the hole, covering it with soil without tamping.

If the shoots have developed at least three rows of leaves, they are ready to be planted again. Trim the top portion of the bush off on a regular basis to encourage lateral growth, make it lush, and prevent it from spreading. It is best to thin out the octopus as it grows and replant the shoots that emerge. Cut off the exposed trunk when the bush ages and plant it in the ground.

Aquarists often use Octopus aquarium plants to add visual interest and texture to their freshwater tanks because of their unusual, tentacle-like leaves. This resilient plant is a great addition for novice and seasoned hobbyists alike who want to bring out the natural beauty of their aquarium. It grows quickly, is easy to maintain, and offers great shelter for fish.

Neighborhood with other inhabitants

The succulent, succulent leaves of all pogostemon species are palatable to fish and snails that graze on plants. As a result, octopus grows well when it is accompanied by fish that hunt. It will greatly benefit from the presence of shrimp because they remove organic waste and algae from the leaves.

Adaptation and fertilization

The plant needs around a month to adapt after planting, and it thrives in an eco-environment that is consistent rather than in brand-new aquariums. The growth slows down or stops completely during this time, and the leaves may fall off. The plant will establish roots if it has successfully adapted.

Pogostemon does not have enough natural fertilizers, so it is important to feed the soil. Replenish the soil periodically with macro- and microelements, provide an influx of carbon dioxide. For rapid growth, a constant supply of CO₂ from 10 to 20 mg per liter is necessary. Macrofertilizers are nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4), which provide plants with nitrogen and phosphorus. These elements are as important as carbon from CO₂. All other elements (iron, potassium, manganese) are microfertilizers, you should not overdo it with them, as this will lead to abundant algae growth. If the leaves acquire a yellow tint, increase the supply of iron, and in a few days the original color will return.

Utilizing specific tests designed for the aquarium environment, you can determine what components are missing. This is a useful tool for novices to help with fertilizer control.

For those who want to add something different and hardy to their aquarium, the octopus plant is a great option. Its unusual, tentacle-like leaves give the underwater environment a visually arresting appearance while also adding depth and texture.

Because of its low maintenance requirements, this plant is appropriate for novice and seasoned aquarium owners alike. The Octopus plant is an attractive and useful plant that can provide fish shelter and oxygenation when given the right lighting and regular trimming.

Including an octopus plant in your aquarium improves the aesthetic appeal of the space while also supporting a more balanced aquatic ecosystem. It is a useful addition to any freshwater aquarium setup due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements.

Video on the topic

Pogostemon octopus (aquarium plant)

Live aquarium plant Pogostemon octopus meristem

POGOSTEMON OCTOPUS. MAINTENANCE IN AN AQUARIUM

POGOSTEMON OCTOPUS. MAINTENANCE SECRETS. Pogostemon stellatus «Octopus»