Eusteralis Stellata

Eusteralis stellata is the older trade name for Pogostemon stellatus, a stem plant carrying whorls of fine, narrow leaves arranged in stars around the stem. Grown properly it is one of the most striking plants in the hobby, with the whorls opening wide and the growing tips taking on pink to violet tones. Grown badly it is a thin green stick, and it is honestly not a beginner plant.

Aquarium care

• Stem plant: plant stems individually and space them so light reaches the lower whorls.
• Demanding. It wants strong light, and CO2 injection is what separates compact, coloured growth from leggy green growth.
• Needs consistent water column fertilisation and sulks quickly when nutrient levels swing.
• Propagate by topping the stems and replanting the cut tips.
• Drops its lower leaves if shaded, so keep the group thinned.

Suited to an established high-light planted tank as a background or accent group, with small schooling fish and shrimp around it. If your tank is low-tech, an easier stem plant will give you a better result.

Stock rotates, and plants are for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse the live plants collection.