Tired of struggling with carpet plants that demand CO₂ or intense lighting? Most low-tech tanks can’t handle that.
Staurogyne repens gives you the lush carpet look without all the hassle, making it a perfect pick for beginner-friendly planted tanks.
🌱 What Is Staurogyne Repens?
Looking for a lush carpet plant that doesn’t ask for much? That’s where Staurogyne repens comes in.
This compact aquarium plant brings beauty and balance to the foreground of your tank, without the high-maintenance routine. It’s ideal for anyone building a natural underwater scene in a low-tech setup.
✅ Native to the Amazon River basin, where it naturally carpets riverbanks
🧬 Scientific name:Staurogyne repens from the Acanthaceae family
📏 Growth habit: Grows low (2–4 inches) and spreads across the substrate
🐠 Great for fish tanks with discus, angelfish, tetras, shrimp, and more
🧪 Sold in tissue culture cups—no snails, no algae, just clean starts
Staurogyne repens is a plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to Brazil and Guyana. It was formally known as Ebermaiera repens. It is widely used as a tropical aquarium plant, where it grows as a bright green carpet at the bottom of the tank. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staurogyne_repens
🧪 Why Choose Tissue Culture Staurogyne Repens?
Want to skip the headaches and get straight to healthy growth? Tissue culture Staurogyne repens is the cleanest, safest way to start.
These lab-grown plants come pest-free and ready to thrive, perfect for new tanks or rescapes where you want a fresh start without surprise hitchhikers.
🌱 Grown in agar, a clear gel used in labs for sterile propagation
🐌 Totally free of snails, algae, or parasites—no unwanted guests
🚿 Cleaner and safer than bunches from pet store tanks
🛒 Where to buy: Online sellers like GreenPro often offer deals
Example: Buy 2, get 1 free on tissue culture cups
💬 Tip: Tissue culture versions are great for beginners because they transplant easily and don’t carry the risks of traditional bunch plants.
🌿 Staurogyne Repens Care Guide
This plant is tough, but giving it a good start helps it shine.Staurogyne repens thrives in most freshwater tanks with just a little love.
Whether you’re new to planted tanks or upgrading your scape, these care tips will keep your carpet green and growing strong.
💡 Lighting: Low to medium is enough; aim for 6–8 hours daily
🧪 CO₂: Not required, but growth improves with added CO₂
🌱 Substrate: Use nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs
💧 Water temp: Ideal range is 72–84°F (fits tropical tanks)
🧴 Fertilizer: Use all-in-one liquid ferts weekly for best results
✂️ Trimming: Pinch tops or cut stems at the base to shape and control spread
🔁 Bonus Tip: Regular water changes help keep nutrients balanced and algae at bay.
Staurogyne Repens Plant Care Reference Guide
Characteristic
Details
Common Name
Staurogyne Repens
Botanical Name
Staurogyne repens
Native Habitat
Amazon River Basin, South America
Plant Type
Aquatic foreground plant
Growth Pattern
Low-growing, spreading carpet
Mature Size
2–4 inches tall
Watering
Fully submersed, regular water changes
Light/Sun Exposure
Low to medium aquarium lighting
Soil Type
Aquarium substrate with nutrients or root tabs
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
Temperature
72–84°F (22–29°C)
Humidity
High humidity if grown emersed
Bloom Time & Flower Color
Rarely flowers underwater; pale lavender when emersed
Potential Problems
Slow start, algae if overlit, melting if transitioned too quickly
Repotting
Not applicable; plant directly in substrate
Hardiness Zones (USDA)
Aquarium-only; not rated for USDA zones
🌾 How to Plant Staurogyne Repens for Carpet Effect
If you want a carpet of green along the tank floor, the planting process matters.
Luckily, Staurogyne repens makes it easy, especially when you start with tissue culture.
A few simple steps will give this plant room to root, spread, and turn your substrate into a leafy underwater lawn.
🧼 Rinse off the agar (if using tissue culture) gently under cool water
✂️ Divide the plant into small clumps or plugs using your fingers or scissors
🥢 Use aquascaping tweezers to push each plug gently into the substrate
📏 Spacing: Plant 1–2 inches apart for faster coverage
🚫 Don’t bunch too tightly—spreading out helps the roots anchor and grow
🌱 Use root tabs if your substrate lacks nutrients
📏 How Tall Does Staurogyne Repens Grow?
If you’re aiming for a tidy, low foreground plant, this one’s a winner.Staurogyne repens keeps its height low and manageable, even without pruning.
That’s why it’s such a favorite for aquascaping—it fills in like a green rug without towering over your layout or blocking light.
🌿 Typical height: 2 to 4 inches tall when fully submerged
✂️ Trim to shape: Easy to maintain a short profile with regular pruning
⛱️ Stays compact in low to medium light conditions
🚀 May grow taller in high light or emersed setups
🧽 New growth spreads horizontally, keeping the “carpet” effect going
🧠 Reminder: If it starts reaching too high, just trim the tops and replant the cuttings to thicken your coverage.
🧪 Emersed vs. Submersed Growth
Did you know Staurogyne repens can grow both above and below water? It’s true, and understanding the difference helps if you’re starting from tissue culture or experimenting with a paludarium.
Whether fully submerged or partially out of water, this plant adapts well with just a few noticeable changes.
💧 Submersed growth stays shorter, with darker green leaves
🌿 Emersed leaves are lighter green and may grow taller and broader
🪟 Leaf shape changes slightly when transitioning between forms
🔄 Transition phase: Expect some melt or slow growth when switching
🌸 May flower emersed, producing tiny lavender blooms
🌱 Fun fact: Emersed-grown plants often transition better when introduced to new aquariums, thanks to their strong root systems.
🐠 Is Staurogyne Repens Safe for Fish and Shrimp?
If you’ve got shrimp, fry, or bottom dwellers in your tank, safety matters. The good news? Staurogyne repens is completely aquarium-safe.
Not only does it pose no threat, it actually creates a more comfortable environment for shy fish and inverts to relax and thrive.
✅ 100% non-toxic to fish, shrimp, and snails
🛏️ Dense growth provides shelter and hiding spots
🐟 Strong stems aren’t easily uprooted by curious fish
🧼 Clean tissue culture versions help avoid unwanted pests
🤿 Works well in peaceful community tanks or shrimp-only setups
📝 Tip: Corydoras, cherry shrimp, and baby guppies especially love tucking into its low green leaves.
❓ FAQ: Staurogyne Repens Questions, Answered
Still got questions about growing this easy carpet plant? Whether you’re brand new to aquascaping or just looking for a reliable foreground option, Staurogyne repens is one of the most forgiving and rewarding choices out there.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common things people ask about it.
Q. Do I need CO₂ to grow Staurogyne Repens?
A. Not at all. It grows well in low-tech tanks without CO₂, though growth will be quicker and denser if CO₂ is added.
Q. How tall does it grow?
A. It typically stays between 2 and 4 inches tall—perfect for carpeting the front of your tank.
Q. Is tissue culture worth it?
A. Absolutely. It’s pest-free, algae-free, and ideal for clean, healthy starts.
Q. What lighting does it need?
A. Low to medium light works just fine. It doesn’t need intense lighting to thrive.
Q. Can I grow it emersed?
A. Yes, it grows well in high-humidity setups like paludariums. Just expect slightly different leaf shapes.
Q. How fast does it spread?
A. It starts slow while rooting, then spreads steadily across the substrate.
Q. What fish does it pair well with?
A. Great with discus, angelfish, tetras, shrimp, and most peaceful freshwater species.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Staurogyne Repens Right for Your Tank?
If you want a lush, low-maintenance carpet in your aquarium, this plant delivers.
Staurogyne repens is beginner-friendly, versatile, and adaptable, making it one of the easiest foreground plants to recommend.
Whether you’re scaping a nano tank or a discus showpiece, this little plant makes a big impact.
📝 Quick Recap: What Makes It Stand Out
Easy to Grow: No CO₂ needed, low light okay, and minimal upkeep
Safe for Aquatic Life: Perfect for shrimp tanks, fry shelters, and peaceful communities
Great in Any Setup: Looks great in low-tech, high-tech, nano, or large tanks
Tissue Culture Bonus: Clean, pest-free starts make it a stress-free choice
✅ Key Takeaways
🌿 Grows 2–4 inches tall and spreads into a dense carpet
💡 Thrives in low to medium light without needing CO₂
🧪 Tissue culture versions are clean and easy to plant
