Eusteralis stellata (P. stellata) – 5cm Pot Care Guide

Eusteralis stellata, also known as Pogostemon stellatus or Stargrass, is an attractive and fast-growing aquatic plant used in aquascaping for its fine, star-shaped leaves and vibrant green color. It’s relatively easy to care for and adds a beautiful touch to any aquascape. Here’s a detailed care guide to help you maintain this plant in your aquarium:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Best suited for medium to large aquariums (20 gallons or more). This plant can grow tall, so it’s ideal for tanks with sufficient vertical space.
• Lighting: Moderate to high light. While it can survive in low light, it thrives in bright, direct light and maintains its compact growth with the right intensity. Under low light, it may become leggy and less colorful.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F); warm, tropical water is ideal for this plant.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is best.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH). Eusteralis stellata can tolerate a range of water hardness levels, though it prefers softer water.
• Substrate: Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate for optimal growth. Aquasoil, fine gravel, or specialized aquarium soil are excellent choices. It can also grow well in fine-gravel substrates as long as it gets the necessary nutrients from the water column or via root tabs.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast. This plant is known for its rapid growth, especially in bright light and with CO2 supplementation.
• CO2 Requirement: Yes; CO2 supplementation will promote faster and more compact growth. While it can survive without CO2, adding it will significantly improve the plant’s health and appearance.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to prevent it from becoming too tall or leggy. Trim back any excess growth to maintain its shape and encourage lateral branching. It can grow quite rapidly, so keep it trimmed to prevent it from overtaking the tank.
• Fertilization: Use a complete liquid fertilizer with micronutrients, including potassium, iron, and other trace elements. You can also use root tabs to provide nutrients directly to the roots. Regular fertilization will help the plant grow vigorously and maintain vibrant green leaves.
• Water Flow: Eusteralis stellata prefers moderate water flow. Gentle to moderate water circulation is ideal, as it helps promote even growth and prevents stagnant water around the plant.
• Placement: This plant works best in the midground or background of an aquascape due to its height. In smaller tanks, it can be kept trimmed to remain compact and fit in the foreground.
• Propagation: Eusteralis stellata can be propagated by cutting healthy stems and replanting them in the substrate. The cuttings will root quickly and start growing into new plants, allowing you to spread them across your tank.

Additional Notes

• Water Quality: As a fast-growing plant, Eusteralis stellata helps absorb excess nutrients in the water, which can help reduce algae growth. Keeping the water clean and clear will support the health of the plant and prevent algae buildup.
• Leaf Care: Clean the leaves gently if algae or debris starts to accumulate. It can sometimes get coated in algae if not given enough light or nutrients, so keeping it well-maintained will help prevent this issue.
• Tank Mates: Eusteralis stellata is generally peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of aquarium fish. It also provides good hiding spots for small fish or shrimp.

Common Problems

• Leggy Growth: If the plant becomes tall and sparse with fewer side branches, it may not be getting enough light. Increase the light intensity or trim back the plant to encourage new growth.
• Yellowing Leaves: If the leaves start turning yellow, it could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, especially in iron or potassium. Adding a complete liquid fertilizer or root tabs will help resolve this issue.
• Slow Growth: If growth slows down, consider adding CO2 and improving water circulation, as both of these factors can promote faster growth.

Eusteralis stellata is a fantastic plant for adding texture and height to your aquascape. With moderate care, including good lighting, CO2 supplementation, and regular pruning, it will flourish and enhance the beauty of your aquarium.