Does Staurogyne Repens need CO2?

Staurogyne Repens grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.

What light does Staurogyne Repens need?

Staurogyne Repens is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.

Is Staurogyne Repens safe for shrimp?

Yes. Staurogyne Repens is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

mediummedium lightCO2 helpfulslow growthstem

Staurogyne Repens

Staurogyne repens

Staurogyne repens is a small, compact foreground plant with round, serrated leaves. It forms a bushy low cluster and is one of the more accessible foreground stem plants that does not require CO2 injection. Growth is slow, but it is a versatile hardscape accent plant.

Evidence: verifiedConfidence: medium

NutrientsRoot tabs or liquid dosing improve results — check your substrate before planting.

Care at a glance

Difficultymedium

Lightmedium

CO2Beneficial

FertiliserNeeded

Growth rateslow

Max height10cm

Placementforeground

Min tank30L

Water parameters

Temperature20–28°C

pH6–7.5

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risknone

Propagationstem cuttings

Beginner guidance

Plant small cuttings in fine substrate with root tabs. Trims well, cut horizontal stems and replant. Good next to Anubias or on hardscape edges. Grows slowly without CO2 but does not die.

Sources

Staurogyne repens. Tropica — Commercial profile from the aquarium plant specialist; covers compact growth, foreground use, and care requirements.
Staurogyne repens. Flowgrow — Aquarium parameters: high light, CO₂, and substrate nutrients required for tight carpeting growth.

Fish whose water overlaps

Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.

Similar plants

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Water Spriteeasy · medium light · no CO2
Vallisneriaeasy · medium light · no CO2

Plan the tank around this plant

Set a 30L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Staurogyne Repens.

Open pair checker Tank builder

Tank hubs: 30L

All plants 30L tank hub

Common questions about Staurogyne Repens

Does Staurogyne Repens need CO2?: Staurogyne Repens grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.
What light does Staurogyne Repens need?: Staurogyne Repens is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.
Is Staurogyne Repens beginner-friendly?: Staurogyne Repens is rated medium for difficulty. Plant small cuttings in fine substrate with root tabs. Trims well, cut horizontal stems and replant. Good next to Anubias or on hardscape edges. Grows slowly without CO2 but does not die.
Is Staurogyne Repens safe for shrimp?: Yes. Staurogyne Repens is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.