Staurogyne repens

Description

Staurogyne repens is a moderately demanding, highly versatile aquarium plant native to Rio Cristalino in Brazil. It grows on and between rocks above the waterline, mainly in full sun. The emersed form has reddish-brown stems with dense hairs, while the submersed form has green stems with few hairs. Leaves are oval or lanceolate, varying greatly in shape within a single plant, and can grow up to 4.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. It prefers strong light, CO2 addition, soft to medium hard water, temperatures between 20-30°C, and a nutrient-rich substrate. It can be grown emersed on a moist substrate with plenty of light and warm temperatures, producing flowers with densely hirsute bracts and white blooms. The plant is usually sold in its emersed form with upright and creeping stems. To encourage low, carpet-like growth, cut long stems to 5 cm before planting. Staurogyne repens can be propagated by making head and partial cuttings, which can be planted at short distances. It responds well to trimming, forming a compact, spreading shrub. The plant can grow creeping and carpet-like initially, but may also form upright stems as the group grows denser. Trimming promotes ramification and encourages low growth, while allowing longer stems to grow can create a dense bush. This plant is suitable for creating carpet-like covers or low-growing bushes in aquascaping designs, particularly when combined with corresponding hardscape features like rocks or driftwood. Its natural growth habit of crevices and downward creep makes it an ideal choice for filling gaps between large rocks or forming a bush leaning on them.