Introduction: Staurogyne Repens is a highly popular and versatile aquarium plant, known for its low-growing and carpet-like formation. With its bright green, dense leaves, it adds a lush and natural look to any aquascape. It’s a great choice for aquarists looking to create a vibrant foreground or carpet in their aquarium.
Origin: Staurogyne Repens originates from the river systems of South America, particularly in Brazil’s Rio Cristalino region. It naturally grows along the water’s edge and can thrive in both submerged and emersed conditions, making it a highly adaptable plant.
Scientific Name: The scientific name of this plant is Staurogyne repens.
Lighting Requirements: Staurogyne Repens requires moderate to high lighting to maintain its compact and vibrant growth. It should receive 8 to 12 hours of light per day to promote healthy development and to encourage dense, horizontal spreading.
Care Level: On a scale of 1 to 10, Staurogyne Repens has a care level of 4, making it relatively easy to maintain. It is suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists, provided its basic needs are met.
Preferred Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
- pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
- GH Level (General Hardness): 4 to 8 dGH
- KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 6 dKH
Placement: Staurogyne Repens is ideal as a foreground or carpet plant. Its low-growing and spreading habit makes it perfect for creating a lush green carpet across the aquarium substrate. It can also be used in midground areas for a bushy, textured look.
Growth Rate: This plant has a moderate growth rate, and with proper lighting and nutrients, it can spread across the aquarium floor, forming a dense carpet over time.
CO2 and Fertiliser: While Staurogyne Repens can grow without CO2 supplementation, adding CO2 will significantly boost its growth and help it maintain a more compact form. Regular liquid fertilization is recommended to provide essential nutrients, particularly in low-nutrient substrates.
Potential Problems: Common issues with Staurogyne Repens include:
- Leggy Growth: In low light, the plant may grow upwards and become sparse, losing its compact carpet form.
- Yellowing Leaves: A sign of nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen or iron, which can be resolved with regular fertilization.
Compatible Fishes: Staurogyne Repens works well with various peaceful fish and invertebrate species, including:
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)
- Otocinclus Catfish
Other Suitable Plants: For a balanced and visually stunning aquascape, pair Staurogyne Repens with these plants:
- Cryptocoryne species for varied textures.
- Bucephalandra for contrasting colors and shapes.
- Java Fern for a layered, multi-level setup.
- Anubias Nana Petite for a smaller foreground companion.
Tropical or Cold Water? Staurogyne Repens thrives in tropical water conditions, with temperatures between 68°F and 82°F (20°C to 28°C) being ideal.
What Fish Can Eat It? Most fish do not eat Staurogyne Repens, making it a safe addition to tanks with plant-nibbling species.
A Fun Fact: Staurogyne Repens is a favorite among aquascapers for creating the “carpet effect” in aquariums. It spreads horizontally across the substrate, offering a natural and vibrant green floor that enhances the overall aesthetic of the tank.
