Why is my Staurogyne repens growing tall instead of carpeting?

This is typically caused by insufficient lighting. When light levels are low, the plant stretches upwards toward the light source. Increasing the light intensity and trimming the tall stems will encourage it to grow laterally along the substrate.

Why are the leaves melting or falling off after I bought it?

Most commercially available aquarium plants are grown emersed (above water). When submerged in an aquarium, they often shed their terrestrial leaves, a process known as melting. Maintain good water parameters and wait for the new, submersed leaves to grow.

Does Staurogyne repens require CO2 injection?

While it can survive without added CO2 in a low-tech setup, it will grow very slowly and may not form a dense carpet. CO2 injection is highly recommended if you want lush, compact, and vibrant growth.

Can I attach Staurogyne repens to wood or rocks?

Unlike epiphytes such as Anubias or Java Fern, Staurogyne repens is a rooted stem plant that draws heavy nutrients from the substrate. While it might temporarily wedge into a crevice, it will struggle to thrive long-term without being planted in a nutrient-rich bed.

How do I prune it properly?

Use curved aquascaping scissors to trim the stems vertically just above a leaf node. Do not be afraid to trim aggressively; cutting the upright stems encourages the plant to shoot lateral runners, creating a thicker bush.

FreshwaterPlantsIntermediate

Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens

A popular, compact stem plant renowned for its bright green leaves and its ability to form dense, bushy foreground carpets in planted aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 8
Hardness: 3 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 3 – 10 cm
Nano tank: 10 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthetic; absorbs nutrients through its root system and the water column.
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Nutrient-rich aquasoil or a sand/gravel substrate supplemented with root tabs.

About the Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens is an outstanding aquatic plant that bridges the gap between traditional carpeting species and taller stem plants. Characterised by its stiff, brownish stems and vibrant green, lanceolate leaves, it has become a staple in modern aquascaping. When provided with sufficient light, it exhibits a creeping habit, staying low to the substrate and producing lateral shoots that gradually form a dense thicket. It is highly versatile, looking equally natural nestled amongst hardscape as it does creating a lush foreground meadow.

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Where Staurogyne Repens comes from

Native range

South America, Amazon Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil

Habitat

Grows among rocks and on riverbanks in clear, fast-flowing rivers, both fully submerged and emergently.

Originally collected from the Rio Cristalino in the southern Amazon.

Similar species

S. porto velho
Staurogyne sp. 'Porto Velho'
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact'
Hygrophila corymbosa
Dwarf Baby Tears
Hemianthus callitrichoides

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent at keeping the broad leaves free from algae without damaging the plant itself.
Great
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
A gentle algae grazer that will rest on the leaves and clean them without causing structural damage.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
A small, peaceful fish that occupies the mid-to-upper water column and will not disturb the substrate or uproot the carpet.
Great
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Herbivorous fish that will eagerly consume most soft-leaved aquarium plants, including Staurogyne repens.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large and notoriously disruptive; they frequently dig and will quickly uproot delicate foreground plants.
Not recommended

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