Staurogyne Repens is the carpet plant most beginners should try first. It stays short, grows in moderate light without demanding CO2, and slowly spreads into a lush, bushy foreground. Here is how to grow it well in Indian tanks.
Quick answer: Staurogyne Repens is a hardy, low-growing stem plant (5–10 cm) for the foreground. It grows in medium light with or without CO2, prefers a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, and is happy at 20–28 °C. Plant stems individually 2–3 cm apart, trim the tops and replant them to thicken the carpet.
Staurogyne Repens care sheet
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Staurogyne repens |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Height | 5–10 cm |
| Placement | Foreground, low bushy carpet |
| Light | Medium (low light makes it leggy) |
| CO₂ | Optional; speeds growth |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Substrate | Nutrient soil, or gravel with root tabs |
| Growth rate | Slow to moderate |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Price in India | From ₹180 on Anubias.in |
Does Staurogyne Repens need CO2?
No. Staurogyne Repens is one of the few carpet-style plants that grows well without CO2. In a low-tech tank with a decent LED and root tabs it grows slowly but stays compact and green. With CO2 and stronger light it grows faster, spreads sideways more quickly and forms a denser carpet. That flexibility makes it the best carpet choice for most Indian home aquariums that do not run CO2.
How to plant Staurogyne Repens
- Remove the rock wool or pot and rinse the roots gently.
- Separate the portion into individual stems or small groups of 2–3 stems.
- Plant each stem with tweezers, 2–3 cm deep and 2–3 cm apart.
- Push a root tab into the substrate near the group if you are using plain gravel.
- Keep light at 7–8 hours a day while the plants root in.
Trimming to build a carpet
Staurogyne grows upward first. When stems reach about 8–10 cm, cut off the top 3–4 cm and replant those tops in bare spots. The cut stems send out new side shoots, so every trim makes the carpet thicker. Repeating this every 3–4 weeks gives a full, low carpet within a few months.
Common problems
- Tall, leggy stems with gaps between leaves: light is too weak; move it closer to the light or increase intensity.
- Yellowing lower leaves: nutrient shortage in the substrate; add root tabs.
- Holes in leaves: often potassium shortage; add an all-in-one liquid fertiliser.
- Stems floating up: planted too shallow or disturbed by digging fish; replant deeper.
Staurogyne Repens vs Monte Carlo
Staurogyne is taller, bushier and far more forgiving; Monte Carlo is flatter and brighter green but needs stronger light and usually CO2. If you do not run CO2, choose Staurogyne. Read our Monte Carlo care guide or the full carpeting plants comparison.
More carpet plant guides:
- Monte Carlo vs Dwarf Hairgrass
- Best Foreground Aquarium Plants (With and Without CO2)
- Dwarf Hairgrass Turning Brown or Yellow? Causes and Fixes
- Monte Carlo Melting or Not Carpeting? Causes and Fixes (With and Without CO2)
- Hydrocotyle Tripartita Japan Care Guide
- Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) Care Guide
- Dwarf Hairgrass Care Guide
Plants in this guide
Grown in Surat · graded by leaf count and photographed before dispatch · live-arrival guarantee on every order · ₹99 shipping, free from ₹2,000
Frequently asked questions
Is Staurogyne Repens good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the easiest foreground plants and tolerates a wide range of water conditions and temperatures, including warm Indian summers.
Can Staurogyne grow on driftwood or rock?
No. Staurogyne is a rooted stem plant and needs substrate. For hardscape, use Anubias Nana Petite, Bucephalandra or moss.
Is Staurogyne Repens safe for shrimp and bettas?
Yes. Its dense growth provides cover for shrimplets, and its soft leaves are gentle on betta fins.
Buy Staurogyne Repens or explore our carpeting plants, shipped across India with a live-arrival guarantee.
