How do you grow Staurogyne repens in an aquarium? Split the pot into 2 to 4 small clumps, cut off the tallest upright shoots and plant the clumps close together in nutrient-rich substrate. Give medium to strong light and CO2 for a low, creeping carpet. Dennerle lists 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 6 to 7.
Key takeaway: Staurogyne repens is a compact Brazilian foreground plant in the acanthus family. Tropica rates its light and CO2 needs as low and its height as 1.2–4 in (3–10 cm), while Dennerle asks for high to medium light and 20–30 mg/L CO2. Both agree that trimming upright tips makes it send out horizontal shoots and form a dense mat.
| Fact | What sources report | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Family and origin | Acanthaceae; Rio Cristalino, Mato Grosso, Brazil | Dennerle, Tropica |
| Height | 1.2–4+ in (3–10+ cm) after two months; up to 4 in (10 cm) | Tropica, Dennerle |
| Light | Low (Tropica); high to medium (Dennerle) | Tropica, Dennerle |
| CO2 | Low (Tropica); 20–30 mg/L (Dennerle) | Tropica, Dennerle |
| Water | 72–82°F (22–28°C); pH 6–7; soft to medium | Dennerle |
| Growth rate | Medium (Tropica); slow (Dennerle) | Tropica, Dennerle |
| Propagation | Tip cuttings and side shoots | Dennerle |
What Is Staurogyne Repens?
Staurogyne repens is a small, fresh-green stem plant for the aquarium foreground. Tropica says it came to them from an aquarist in 2005 and that the species grows on rocks in the Rio Cristalino in Mato Grosso, in the southern Amazon. DNA work places it close to Hygrophila, but it stays far lower and bushier.
Dennerle lists it in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae) from Brazil and calls it an outstanding foreground plant that looks like a miniature Hygrophila. The plant is often called “Stauro” in the hobby. It is one of the easier carpet-style plants, especially for tanks that cannot run very strong light.
- Use: foreground or midground cushion.
- Look: stiff brownish stems with small green leaves.
- Pairs well with: Monte Carlo or Hydrocotyle tripartita.
How Do You Plant Staurogyne Repens?
Tropica’s method is simple: cut off the longest upright shoots, divide each pot into 2 to 4 pieces and plant them close together in a small group. Remove emersed leaves at planting if you like, since they die off underwater anyway. New horizontal shoots then form from the base and spread across the substrate.
- Remove the pot and rock wool carefully.
- Trim the tallest upright stems.
- Divide the clump into 2 to 4 pieces.
- Plant each piece with tweezers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
- Replant the trimmed tops as extra plants.
Dennerle says it needs a good supply of nutrients through the substrate, so use an aqua soil or add aquarium root tabs to sand or gravel.
What Light, CO2 and Fertilizer Does Staurogyne Repens Need?
The two growers disagree, so aim between them. Tropica rates light and CO2 demand as low, which makes it a good low-tech choice. Dennerle says it demands intense light and lists 20 to 30 mg/L CO2. In practice, low light keeps it alive, while stronger light plus CO2 keeps it short and creeping.
- Low-tech tank: expect slower, more upright growth.
- High-tech tank: see aquarium CO2 for plants.
- Liquid feed: dose aquarium plant fertilizer weekly.
- Root feed: substrate nutrients matter most, per Dennerle.
What Water Parameters Does Staurogyne Repens Like?
Dennerle lists 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), pH 6 to 7 and soft to medium-hard water. That is a typical tropical planted-tank range. Very hard, alkaline water is outside Dennerle’s range, so check your tap before buying several pots for a hard-water tank.
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C).
- pH: 6–7.
- Hardness: soft to medium.
How Do You Trim and Propagate Staurogyne Repens?
Trim the upright tips regularly. Dennerle says cutting shoot tips forces the plant to push out many new horizontal shoots, giving a thick stand over time. It lists tip cuttings and side shoots for propagation. Replant the cut tops in bare spots to spread the carpet faster.
- Wait until upright stems are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) above the mat.
- Cut just above a leaf pair.
- Plant the tops into gaps.
- Separate rooted side shoots when the clump gets dense.
Why Is Staurogyne Repens Melting or Not Growing?
Melting right after planting is usually the emersed leaves dying back, which Tropica says is expected. Tall, leggy plants point to weak light. Pale or holey leaves point to low nutrients, especially in an inert substrate. Slow growth is normal; Dennerle calls it very slow-growing.
- Old leaves melting: remove them; new underwater leaves follow.
- Growing tall: more light, or trim tips more often.
- Pale leaves: add root tabs and iron.
- Algae on leaves: shorten the photoperiod and balance CO2.
FAQ About Staurogyne Repens
Does this plant need CO2?
No; Tropica rates CO2 as low, though Dennerle lists 20–30 mg/L for best growth.
How tall does it get?
About 1.2–4 inches (3–10 cm).
Is it a carpet plant?
It forms a low mat when tips are trimmed and light is good.
What temperature does it need?
72–82°F (22–28°C), per Dennerle.
Why is it melting?
Emersed leaves die off after planting; new ones replace them.
How do you propagate it?
From tip cuttings and side shoots.
Sources
- Tropica Aquarium Plants — Staurogyne repens plant info/19617)
- Tropica Aquarium Plants — Staurogyne repens article by Claus Christensen
- Dennerle Plants — Staurogyne repens plant profile/27934)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): S. repens in a tank by 호로조 (CC BY-SA 3.0)