It’s too bad that this plant doesn’t have a nickname because it’s only known by its scientific name in the aquarist hobby.
Perhaps that’s a win for plant taxonomy nerds, who would enjoy knowing that folks who use or want this plant will know its technical name. But for those not in the loop, the name doesn’t really indicate what it is. Is it an animal? Mineral? Vegetable? A machine?
If we were to give it a nickname, though, it would have to be the Carpet Genie. There are many plants suited for carpeting tanks in the hobby, but this particular one is diverse, hardy, slow-growing, and so super easy to maintain it is practically magical.
You can thank us for that easy-to-remember name later. Just don’t use it at the stockist who will just register your request with a blank stare.
This is an exceptional ground-covering plant for freshwater tanks that is pretty hard to beat. It provides decorative charm, practical use for your inhabitants and will improve your water quality all the while.
Most people that keep fish want a tank with a leafy, natural appearance. It’s usually healthier for the inhabitants and also looks beautiful and more appealing, which emphasizes the beauty of your fish and invertebrates.
Native to South America, it is most notably known in Brazil on the Cristalino River.
The interesting fact about this plant is that it is usually found in the wild growing on rocks or rocky formations with soil and was only recently understood to be agreeable to surviving fully immersed as well. Brilliant news for the fish-keeping hobby!
Let’s take a look at why this plant is so well suited for carpeting tanks and some of the variations that make it super versatile, making it a popular option for many.
Staurogyne Repens Characteristics
Staurogyne Repens is a vibrant and light-green leafy plant that looks positively incandescent when compared to other bright leafy plants such as Hornwort.
Densely packed leaves are what give this plant its primary sense of purpose. It can easily cover substrate in tanks and will utilize sturdy stems keeping the plant upright even around fish that like to root around.
The stem and branches of this plant give it an almost bushy appearance in terms of texture as they are quite coarse and feel a bit woody in nature.
The leaves themselves are classically shaped, broad at the base, tapering to a point.
Staurogyne will normally reach a maximum height of 2 – 4 inches which is why they are exceptional to use for ground cover. Having ground cover in a tank is usually indicative of a more luscious and plush tank when compared to novelty-colored gravel for starters in the hobby, which are often widely derided.
Bottom dwellers will love his plant too, and it can often be nibbled on by your inhabitants. It provided breeding grounds as well as shelter and for those that want to have some time out from the rest of the tank.
Propagation of this plant is also extremely easy, so it’s a cost-effective choice once you have a few specimens.
The growth rate can be slow, so don’t overplant as it usually takes six weeks to grow a single inch.
This is a plant that also works really well for aquascaping rocky environments. It can create the impression of a green mountainscape underwater and can create maximum impact for low-profile setups.
For minimalists, it has a natural look and keeps its roots well hidden, too, so it keeps a clean line for those wishing to keep that aesthetic.
Staurogyne Repens Tank Requirements
This plant is quite easy in terms of what it requires. Its hardy nature makes it quite simple to care for.
The health of this plant will directly impact the health of your tank, so it is worth ensuring that you keep it healthy and in good form for your inhabitants too!
The tank size will ideally need to be at least 10 gallons if you are planning on taking on this carpet plant. It is unlikely to root properly in tanks that are smaller in size.
If you are choosing a plant, make sure that the stems on the specimens you choose are in good condition. Better to buy a few and then propagate them yourself if you know they are healthy.
One of the most important things for these plants is the water parameters. They are best used as a foreground specimen that will enrich the front half of your tank with ease.
This plant requires a decent substrate that allows for proper root growth and nutrients. It will primarily acquire its nutrients from the substrate, so it must be nutrient-rich to start with. Ensure that you have a nutrient layer at least 2 – 3 inches under your gravel substrate to enhance the growth of your Staurogyne Repens carpet plants.
Ideally, you will need bold and bright lighting for these plants, at least 10 – 12 hours a day but avoid direct sunlight as a source as it can create issues with algae.
Temperature-wise, aim for 68 – 86ºF (20 – 30ºC) and use a heater if you can’t keep the room temperature stabilized.
The pH levels should be consistent whatever you choose, and it can be anywhere from 6 – 8.
Carbonate hardness needs to stay within 3 – 10 dKH
Change your water at least 20% every two weeks, but do factor in the tank community bioload needs first as they should really come first when it comes to deciding on how frequent or how much you change the water.
Staurogyne Repens Planting And Maintenance
Not much in the way of maintenance is required for this genus of plants.
If you keep the water clean and do the weekly changes, and supplement with fertilizer for the healthiest look, you should have Staurogyne Repens in the tank that will be much admired.
Planting Staurogyne Repens
First time planting? We recommend that you don’t overplant to allow each specimen to acquire enough space. Begin with a few stems and then add in more to top up and create density as needed. A golden rule should be along the lines of 1 stem for every 2 – 3 gallons in the tank.
What you need to do is plant the stems around a half-inch deep into the substrate but keep them away from rocks and other decor, which will impede their ability to anchor, spread, and properly grow. Anything too close to decor may result in roots adhering to those pieces, and then you will not be able to relocate those items in your tank setup.
Since these plants are so short in stature, they are perfect for use in the forefront of the tank, where other towering species of plant would obscure your view of the tank community.
Avoid using any floating plants in the setup, as this can impact the amount of light your Staurogyne Repens receives and will slow down its already sluggish growth rate.
Trimming Staurogyne Repens
This is not an essential part of the care of this plant, perhaps every few months if actually needed.
Unless you have any leafy areas browning or that have been ripped or nipped at by your tank community, trimming is not needed since it doesn’t grow high or too wide.
Ideally, you just need to remove and dead or decaying leaves that have been damaged to avoid fouling the water as with all biological debris.
Staurogyne Repens Propagation
There is little difficulty with propagating Staurogyne Repens at home for the hobbyist.
This plant produces its own side shoots, which will detach and settle themselves into the substrate embedding themselves into their own plant space.
If you choose to make cuttings to actively propagate, ensure the stems are at least
3 – 4 inches in length, remove only 1 – 2 inches and plant into substrate. These cutting plantings don’t need roots, but they do require leaves for photosynthesis and eventual growth.
Staurogyne Repens Compatibility In The Tank
Almost any freshwater fish is suited to inhabiting a tank alongside Staurogyne Repens that works within its temperature parameters.
Just ensure that wherever you place these plants that they have plenty of good lighting, and there isn’t overcrowding.
Fish that love living alongside Staurogyne Repens include (but are not limited to):
• Tetras
• Mollies
• Guppies
• Danios
• Bettas
• Dwarf Gourami
• Rasboras
• Shrimp
• Cichlids
• Otocinclus
• Cory Catfish
• Java Fern as a background plant
• Hornwort for localized floating plants if you have a large enough tank
Avoid Goldfish, Rainbowfish, Silver Dollars, and other major plant nibblers who will inevitably destroy your hard work organizing the decor.
Shrimp will help keep algae levels down and clean the short, smooth leaf surfaces rendering them neat and tidy as well. However, most snails will eat and damage your beautiful carpet leaves, so they should be avoided. Assassin Snails are the only exception to this rule!
Troubleshooting Staurogyne Repens
Melting
The term melting refers to when a plant’s leaves being to lose their color and condition. They will disintegrate when something makes contact with them (picture the Wicked Witch of the West here, folks).
Usually, this happens when the plant is newly introduced to a tank and struggles to adjust to the new water parameters.
Normally this isn’t something to be too worried about as it will adjust over time and resolve.
Over Planting
Remember not to overplant this species. Crowding isn’t ideal for it to establish a healthy root system that anchors it and allows it to spread as it slowly grows. One stem for every 2 – 3 gallons is the right ratio to start with.
Water Parameters
Rapidly changing or regularly fluctuating water parameters will affect your plants. Even though it has a hardy reputation, nobody likes constant changes in their home, at least in the aquatic world.
Ensure that you monitor your water condition regularly and avoid drastic changes when you do your water changes by making sure the water you replace is of the same condition.
Nutrient Deficiency
If you spot your Staurogyne Repens developing yellowy leaves, pinholes, and darker veins, then chances are your substrate isn’t up to snuff and needs supplementation.
Adding in things like fertilizer or CO2 to the water should help reverse the issues and malnourishment.
Sourcing Healthy Specimens
Remember that you should be buying healthy specimens from the start. Avoid purchasing any plant that has weak, limp stems or faded leaves. It’s also worth mentioning here that ideally, you want mature specimens to plant with a size that is at least 2 – 4 inches in diameter.
Is Staurogyne Repens Worth Including In Your Setup?
Absolutely.
Not only is this genus of plants hardy, making them ideal for newbies to the hobby, but their ability to create a carpet and beautiful and vibrant foreground in your tank gives them an exceptional edge for those interested in aquascaping.
They offer the perfect foreground to both show-off and contrast with brightly colored species of tropical freshwater fish.
It’s a natural beauty that will be admired by both minimalists and those with loftier ambitions recreating something out of the Lord of the Rings landscape for their fish.
As long as you avoid keeping fish that like to eat plants that are likely to treat your plant carpet like a cow does a field meadow, you should be absolutely fine.
Brighten up your tank with this slow grower, and you won’t regret it.
