Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Acanthaceae

📍 Rio Cristalino, Brazil

Staurogyne repens is a compact, low-growing stem plant with small, bright-green, slightly glossy leaves on creeping stems. Unlike most foreground carpet plants it tolerates moderate rather than high light, and does not require CO2 injection — though both improve density and lateral growth. It can be used as a carpeting plant in lower-tech setups or as a foreground bush, making it one of the most versatile and accessible 'carpet' plants for planted aquariums.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae grazers that won't uproot or damage delicate plant tissue

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that graze algae and detritus without harming plants; thrive in same water parameters

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered carpet effect

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful fish that won't disturb substrate or uproot plants; compatible water parameters

good

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control without damaging plant leaves; peaceful and compatible with low-tech setups

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy companion plant with similar moderate light tolerance; can be arranged around Staurogyne for varied hardscape

excellent

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating plant leaves and stems; reduced light penetration; plant growth slowing

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water change frequency; add algae-eating fish or shrimp (Otocinclus, Amano Shrimp); manually remove visible algae with soft brush

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves; stunted growth; leaf edges becoming translucent or necrotic; sparse lateral branching

Treatment

Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly; perform 25-30% water changes bi-weekly to replenish minerals; ensure adequate lighting (60-150 PAR); consider adding root tabs if using nutrient-poor substrate

Melting (Tissue Breakdown)

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or disintegrating; stems softening; plant appearing to dissolve

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes; ensure adequate water circulation; reduce light intensity temporarily; maintain stable temperature (20-28°C); remove severely affected portions and replant healthy stems

Slow Growth or Stagnation

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development; plant remaining same size for weeks; leaves becoming smaller or paler

Treatment

Increase light to 80-150 PAR; add liquid fertilizer 2x weekly; consider low-dose CO2 supplementation; ensure water parameters are stable; trim plant to encourage branching; verify substrate is nutrient-rich