Eusteralis stellata

Eusteralis stellata (syn. Pogostemon stellatus) is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful stem plants available in the aquarium hobby. Its star-shaped whorls of narrow leaves develop spectacular pink to purple-violet colouration under high light and soft, acidic, CO2-enriched water, creating a luminous display unlike any other stem plant. Demanding but enormously rewarding, it requires consistent water quality, strong lighting, and reliable CO2 injection to maintain its colour and compact form. In a well-maintained high-tech aquascape it forms breathtaking background columns that draw the eye immediately. It is truly a showpiece species deserving pride of place in any serious planted aquarium.

Light: Very high (60+ PAR); absolutely essential for pink-purple leaf expression. CO2: Essential at 25–35 mg/L; colour rapidly lost without adequate CO2. Fertilisation: Intensive iron-rich comprehensive dosing; very low KH water strongly preferred. Placement: Background feature plant; plant in groups of 7+ stems for maximum impact. Propagation: Trim 10–12 cm top sections; replant immediately after trimming.