Pogostemon quadrifolius

Pogostemon quadrifolius occurs in India, Bangladesh and South-East Asia; the aquarium plants originate from Laos and were imported in 2010 as 'Octopus'.² The widespread name Pogostemon stellatus 'Octopus' is incorrect, as it is a separate species closely related to P. stellatus.²³ Its linear to ribbon-shaped submersed leaves usually stand in whorls of four, less often five or six; the underside is pale lilac, the upper side green.²

The stem plant is considered very easy to care for, tolerates a wide range of temperatures and water parameters and forms new shoots so quickly that regular pruning is recommended.²³ For nano aquariums the more delicate, slower-growing side shoots are used, whereas the vigorously and densely growing top cuttings belong in large aquariums.²³ Stands that are only cut back and not replanted for a long time become woody and resprout from below out of thickened rhizomes.²