Pogostemon stellatus “Eustralis” Aquarium Plant
Pogostemon stellatus, often sold as Eustralis, is a striking freshwater stem plant known for its star-shaped leaves, fast growth, and beautiful green to bronze-red coloration. Under strong lighting with proper nutrients and CO2 supplementation, this plant can develop bold red, pink, orange, and bronze tones that create dramatic contrast in planted aquariums.
Native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, Pogostemon stellatus is a popular choice for aquascapers who want height, movement, and color in the midground or background of a freshwater planted tank. When planted in groups, it creates a lush, eye-catching display that pairs beautifully with green stem plants, carpeting plants, and hardscape layouts.
Key Features
- Beautiful star-shaped leaves with green, bronze, red, and pink tones
- Fast-growing freshwater stem plant
- Excellent midground to background aquarium plant
- Adds height, texture, and color contrast to aquascapes
- Best coloration develops under strong lighting with nutrients and CO2
- Great choice for experienced planted tank hobbyists
Great For
- Planted aquariums
- Aquascapes
- High-tech planted tanks
- Midground and background layouts
- Color contrast in freshwater aquariums
- Shrimp tanks with stable water conditions
Care Guidelines
- Care Level: Moderate
- Light: Medium to High
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Placement: Midground to Background
- Growth Rate: Fast
- CO2: Recommended for best growth and color
- Fertilizer: Benefits from regular liquid fertilizer and iron supplementation
Planting & Maintenance Tips
Plant Pogostemon stellatus stems individually or in small groups with space between each stem to allow light and water flow to reach the lower leaves. Regular trimming helps encourage side shoots and fuller growth. Healthy cuttings can be replanted to create dense, colorful background clusters.
For the brightest red and bronze coloration, provide strong lighting, stable CO2, and consistent fertilization. In lower-light aquariums, this plant may remain greener and grow more slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pogostemon stellatus difficult to grow?
Pogostemon stellatus is considered a moderately demanding aquarium plant. It can grow in stable planted tanks, but the best results come from medium to high lighting, consistent nutrients, and CO2 supplementation.
Why are my Pogostemon stellatus leaves turning green or dull?
Leaves may turn greener or lose color when lighting is too low, nutrients are limited, or CO2 is inconsistent. Stronger lighting, iron-rich fertilizer, and stable CO2 can help improve coloration.
How tall does Pogostemon stellatus grow?
Pogostemon stellatus typically grows around 8–16 inches tall, but it may grow taller in high-light, nutrient-rich aquariums with CO2.
Can Pogostemon stellatus be trimmed and replanted?
Yes. Healthy top cuttings can be trimmed and replanted into the substrate to create fuller, denser groups.
Is Pogostemon stellatus safe for shrimp and snails?
Yes. Pogostemon stellatus is safe for freshwater shrimp, snails, and peaceful aquarium fish when grown in a properly maintained aquarium.
Shop Pogostemon stellatus at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Pogostemon stellatus “Eustralis” is a colorful stem plant for planted aquariums, aquascapes, shrimp tanks, and high-tech freshwater setups. Shop live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, and planted tank supplies at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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