{"product_id":"pogostemon-stellatus-eustralis","title":"Pogostemon stellatus (Eustralis)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIntroduce an extraordinary splash of color and distinct architectural contrast to your freshwater aquascape with \u003ci\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/i\u003e (commonly referred to in the hobby as \u003ci\u003eEustralis\u003c\/i\u003e or Star Pogostemon). Hailing from Asia and Australia, this striking stem plant features narrow, whorled leaves that display stunning hues ranging from vibrant green with silvery undersides to brilliant shades of pink, bronze, and purple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShort Description \u0026amp; Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/i\u003e (approx. 6–10 inches \/ 15–25 cm+ in height) is a captivating, fast-growing background or midground accent plant prized for its star-shaped leaf formations and vibrant coloration. While its striking appearance makes it a favorite for Dutch-style aquascapes, it functions best as a high-tech plant that demands stable parameters, nutrient-rich substrate, intense lighting, and pressurized carbon dioxide to display its absolute best form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Product Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ci\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/i\u003e (Syn. \u003ci\u003eEustralis stellata\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlacement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMidground to Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate to Fast (under optimal conditions)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eLighting Demand\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh (Strong, full-spectrum LED recommended)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEssential \/ Required (20–35 ppm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Temp \u0026amp; pH\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e72°F–82°F (22°C–28°C) | pH 5.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eDifficulty Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate to Advanced (Ideal for dedicated beginners ready for high-tech setups)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetailed Beginner Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Aquascaping Placement \u0026amp; Planting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePosition \u003ci\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/i\u003e in the midground or background of your aquarium, where its unique star-like whorls can create a striking focal point or a dense, colorful bush. When planting, gently separate individual stems and insert them into a nutrient-rich aquarium soil or active substrate using aquascaping tweezers, leaving about an inch of space between stems to allow adequate light penetration to the lower leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. Lighting, CO2, and Fertilization\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo unlock the signature pink and purple tones of \u003ci\u003ePogostemon stellatus\u003c\/i\u003e, intense lighting and pressurized CO2 injection (20–35 ppm) are strongly recommended. Without sufficient light or carbon dioxide, the plant will become leggy and turn predominantly green. It is also a heavy feeder requiring regular macro and micro-fertilizer dosing—particularly iron, which acts as a catalyst for brilliant coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. Maintenance \u0026amp; Propagation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular maintenance involves trimming the plant to encourage bushier, lateral growth. To propagate, simply snip healthy 4-to-6-inch stem tops using sharp aquarium scissors and replant them directly into the substrate. Over time, older lower stems may shed leaves; replacing them periodically with fresh, trimmed crown tops ensures a perpetually dense and vibrant display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57050294452564,"sku":"ST010642","price":4.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1052\/5828\/7444\/files\/Pogostemonstellatus_Eustralis.jpg?v=1788798434","url":"https:\/\/www.tropicalmarineaquatic.com\/products\/pogostemon-stellatus-eustralis","provider":"Tropical Marine Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}