Contents
Description
Staurogyne Chapaensis, commonly known as simply “Staurogyne,” is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium hobbyists. It is native to Chapa, Vietnam, and is known for its vibrant green leaves and ability to thrive in a range of water conditions. It is a versatile plant that can be used as an accent in a planted tank, as well as a foreground plant in larger tanks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Staurogyne |
Appearance
Staurogyne Chapaensis has small, pointed leaves that are a bright green color. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and grow in a dense cluster. The plant can grow up to 10 cm tall, making it a great foreground plant in larger aquariums. It also produces small white flowers, although these are rare in aquariums.
Care Guide
Staurogyne Chapaensis is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips for ensuring your plant thrives:
- Water: Staurogyne Chapaensis prefers soft, slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It also requires good water circulation to prevent the buildup of algae.
- Fertilization: To promote healthy growth, you should fertilize your Staurogyne Chapaensis regularly. A liquid fertilizer that contains iron, potassium, and other micronutrients is recommended.
- Soil: This plant does well in a nutrient-rich substrate. You can use a specialized plant substrate or add root tabs to your regular aquarium substrate.
- Sunlight: Staurogyne Chapaensis does best in moderate to high lighting conditions. Aim for around 3-5 watts per gallon of water.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Staurogyne Chapaensis is generally hardy and not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to algae growth if water conditions are not optimal. To prevent algae growth, make sure the plant is receiving adequate water circulation and lighting. Additionally, you can add a Siamese algae eater or nerite snails to your tank to help keep algae at bay.
Habitat
Staurogyne Chapaensis is native to the Chapa region of Vietnam, where it grows along the banks of streams and rivers. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water and moderate lighting conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Staurogyne Chapaensis be grown emersed?
A: Yes, Staurogyne Chapaensis can be grown emersed in a humid environment. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a container with a lid or covering it with plastic wrap.
Q: Can Staurogyne Chapaensis be propagated?
A: Yes, Staurogyne Chapaensis can be propagated by cutting the stem and planting it in the substrate. The plant will form new roots and continue to grow.
Q: Can Staurogyne Chapaensis be grown in a low-tech aquarium?
A: Yes, Staurogyne Chapaensis is a hardy plant that can be grown in a low-tech aquarium. It will grow slower in these conditions but can still thrive with proper care.
Q: Can Staurogyne Chapaensis be used in a paludarium?
A: Yes, Staurogyne Chapaensis can be used in a paludarium as long as it is kept moist and receives adequate lighting.
Related Plants
- Staurogyne Repens
- Staurogyne Sp. Porto Velho
- Staurogyne Sp. Purple
- Staurogyne Sp. Bihar
References
- “Staurogyne Chapaensis.” Tropica. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/StaurogyneChapaensis(1216)/4427
- “Staurogyne Chapaensis.” Aquarium Plants Factory. https://www.aquariumplantsfactory.com/staurogyne-chapaensis/
- “Staurogyne Chapaensis.” Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database. https://www.flowgrow.de/db/aquaticplants/staurogyne-chapaensis
