Eusteralis stellata is a very beautiful
aquarium plant which differs from all other aquatic plants. The 10-cm long
narrow leaves are placed around the stem much like spokes in a wheel and the
lower leaf side is heavily violet at optimum growth conditions. However, it
is quite difficult to culture and requires very high light, soft water and CO enrichment of the water to thrive. Eusteralis
stellata is a brilliant indicator for micronutrient, especially iron. If
the aquarium is short of iron, the leaves will turn light green to yellowish
but a few days after iron addition the colour will reappear on new leaves.
Occasionnaly, the plant suddenly stops growing but after a while adventitious
shoots will normally develop and the plant resumes growth.
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