A beautiful fine-leaved relatively large stem plant from the Asian tropics. When cultivated under water, the star plant has very narrow leaves growing in whorls, with a green to reddish purple colour. It is often sold in its emerged form and will assume its final submersed form when cultivated under water. Pogostemon stellatus needs strong light (not less than 0.5 W/litre), the addition of CO₂ and a good nutrient supply. Micronutrient deficiencies may lead to pale leaves. The plant is a good indicator for the nutrient situation in the tank. Pogostemon stellatus requires higher temperatures (approx. 24-28 °C) and soft to medium-hard water. Growth may stagnate from time to time even though the conditions are good.