Eustralis Stellata

The Plant
Eustralis stellata, also sold as Pogostemon stellatus, is a tall stem plant from Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Its long, needle-thin leaves turn a mix of green, orange and purple once it settles in, and stems can reach about 18 inches.

Plant Care
Type: Stem · Origin: Southeast Asia, northern Australia · Height: Up to 18 in · Light: Moderate · CO2: Not required · Temp: 75 to 82°F · pH: 5.7 to 7.8

Planting Tips
Use it in the background of a tank 15 gallons or larger, under a decent light. Trim it often, and push the cut tops into the substrate to grow more stems.

Why Shrimp Keepers Like It
The fine, bushy leaves catch biofilm and make a thick tangle where shrimplets shelter. A stem plant that needs regular trimming is pulling a lot of nitrate out of the water.

Photos © AquaticMotiv, used with credit.

Information sourced from AquaticMotiv