TROPICA - Staurogyne repens - Potted

A compact foreground plant with Amazonian origins

Staurogyne repens comes straight from the sunny banks of the Rio Cristalino, in the southern Brazilian Amazon. This creeping plant is inspired by the natural style of fast-flowing rivers, growing among rocks and on sunny slopes. With its small, oval, intense green leaves , it is distinguished by its low growth habit and short internodes, which give it a well-stocked appearance, perfect for the foreground.

It measures between 3 and 10 cm in height, sometimes a little more depending on the light and growing conditions. The stronger the lighting , the more compact it remains and develops a bushy habit. On the other hand, if the light is too weak, it will tend to stretch upwards. The ideal is therefore to offer it bright and diffused light, with a photoperiod of 8 to 10 hours per day.

Cultivation and maintenance of Staurogyne repens in an aquarium

Easy to grow, Staurogyne repens thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with a pH around 6 to 7 and a hardness below 6 GH. It thrives at temperatures between 22 and 30°C. A rich nutrient substrate is recommended to support its well-developed root system. Although it can survive without it, a regular supply of nutrients and a little CO2 visibly boost its growth and prevent deficiencies.

When planting, separate the stems of the in vitro plant and replant them 3 to 5 cm apart. Once established, the plant begins to creep gently, forming a natural, dense green carpet . The stems can then be pruned when they reach 6 to 8 cm to encourage lateral growth and prevent the base from becoming bare.

An asset for natural aquascaping and landscaped tanks

Staurogyne repens is a true star in aquascaping compositions. It fits perfectly into Iwagumi or nature aquarium settings, filling spaces between stones and growing along slopes. It can even be planted high up, to fall slightly along an aquarium root or slide into a crevice between two rocks.

To maintain a uniform and healthy carpet, remember to perform regular water changes and ensure the water remains clear, which will encourage light to penetrate to the base of the plant. Pruning is easy thanks to its slow growth. Simply cut back any overgrown stems or damaged parts, and even replant cuttings to thicken the area.

Its tender texture makes it a real treat for shrimp and some small fish, but beware of overly herbivorous species or greedy snails. To avoid disappointment, it's best to choose your tankmates carefully.

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