Staurogyne repens - Tissue Culture

Staurogyne repens: The Versatile Brazilian Aquascape Plant

Staurogyne repens, often referred to simply as S. repens or Star Repens, is a popular and versatile foreground to midground aquatic plant. Native to the Rio Cristalino in Mato Grosso, Brazil, this tissue culture is prized by aquascapers for its bright, fresh green color and its ability to form a dense, low-growing carpet or a compact bush, depending on light levels.

The plant features small, oval-shaped leaves on stiff, brownish stems. When provided with optimal light, it grows horizontally, creeping along the substrate to create a lush, compact carpet. In lower light conditions, it tends to grow vertically with longer internodes, making it an excellent transitional or accent bush in the midground.

Although sometimes labeled as a beginner plant, Staurogyne repens is considered to have a medium skill level of care. While it can survive in low-tech setups, it requires a nutrient-rich environment and benefits greatly from CO₂ injection to achieve the desired dense, carpeting growth. It is a root feeder and a nutrient hog, so a consistent fertilization regime is critical for preventing yellowing or "melting" leaves, which is a common issue during the acclimation phase.

Care & Propagation:

• Lighting: Requires Medium to High Light to achieve a dense, carpeting habit (30-50+ PAR is recommended). Insufficient light will cause the plant to grow tall and "leggy." A photoperiod of 8-10 hours is ideal.
• Substrate & Fertilization: This is primarily a Root Feeder and thrives in a nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil). Supplementation with root tabs is highly recommended, along with regular liquid fertilizer dosing for a complete nutrient profile. It is sensitive to deficiencies, especially Iron, which can cause yellowing.
• CO₂: While not strictly essential, CO₂ Injection is Highly Recommended to promote faster, denser, and more horizontal growth, which is necessary for a successful carpet.
• Planting: Divide the potted plant into several small bundles or individual stems. Use tweezers to plant each stem deeply (about 0.5 to 0.75 inches / 1.5-2 cm) into the substrate, with individual stems spaced 2-3 inches apart initially to allow room for lateral runners.
• Trimming & Propagation: S. repens responds well to trimming. To promote bushier and lower growth, trim the vertical shoots. Propagation is easy: simply cut the top or side shoots and replant them into the substrate, where they will root and establish new plants.
• Temperament: Peaceful and non-toxic. Excellent for community tanks, especially those housing small, peaceful fish and invertebrates (shrimp/snails), which will use its dense foliage for shelter.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Staurogyne repens
• Primary Common Name: Staurogyne repens
• Other Common Names: S. repens, Star Repens, Brazilian Water Ivy
• Origin: South America (Brazil)
• Max Height: 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) (Low-growing/Carpeting)
• Skill Level: Medium
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Slow
• Lighting: Medium to High (30-50+ PAR)
• CO₂ Requirement: Recommended for optimal growth/carpeting
• Water pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Temperature: 68°−86°F ( 20°−30°C )
• Placement: Foreground / Midground (Carpeting or Bush-like)