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Description
Staurogyne Concinnula, also known as the “Porto Velho” plant, is a small aquatic plant native to Brazil. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is commonly found in the Amazon River Basin. It can grow up to 10 cm tall and has long, narrow leaves that are light green in color. This plant is a popular choice for aquariums due to its unique appearance and ease of maintenance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Staurogyne |
| Species | Concinnula |
Appearance
Staurogyne Concinnula is a small plant that can grow up to 10 cm tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are light green in color and have a slightly pointed tip. The leaves grow opposite each other along the stem and can vary in length from 1-3 cm. The stem of the plant is thin and can be a reddish-brown color. The plant may produce small, white flowers in the wild, but this is rare in aquarium settings.
Care Guide
Staurogyne Concinnula is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips for keeping this plant healthy:
Water: This plant prefers clean, clear water with a pH between 6.5-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of water hardness levels, but softer water is preferred.
Fertilization: Regular fertilization is important for this plant to thrive. Use a liquid or substrate fertilizer that contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil: This plant prefers a nutrient-rich substrate such as aquasoil or a gravel/sand mix. The substrate should be at least 2-3 inches deep to allow for proper root growth.
Sunlight: Staurogyne Concinnula prefers moderate to high lighting. A minimum of 2 watts per gallon of full-spectrum lighting is recommended to keep this plant healthy.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is not cold-hardy and should be kept in a warm environment. It can be grown in indoor aquariums, terrariums, or hydroponic systems.
Common Pests & Diseases
Staurogyne Concinnula is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues. Here are some of the most common problems:
Algae: This plant can be susceptible to algae growth if there is too much light or nutrients in the water. Regular water changes and maintaining proper lighting can help prevent algae growth.
Snails: Snails can be attracted to this plant and can eat away at the leaves. Regular inspections and removal of snails can help prevent damage.
Fungal Infections: This plant can be susceptible to fungal infections if there is too much moisture and not enough air circulation. Proper water flow and ventilation can help prevent fungal growth.
Habitat
Staurogyne Concinnula is native to Brazil and is commonly found in the Amazon River Basin. It grows in slow-moving or stagnant water and can be found along the banks of rivers and streams. This plant can also grow in marshy or boggy areas and is often found in wetland habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Staurogyne Concinnula be grown in a low-tech aquarium?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a low-tech aquarium as long as there is enough light and nutrients in the water.
Q: How fast does Staurogyne Concinnula grow?
A: This plant grows relatively slowly, but can still reach a height of 10 cm if given proper care.
Q: Can Staurogyne Concinnula be grown emersed?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown emersed in a terrarium or hydroponic system. It will require more frequent watering and higher humidity levels.
Q: Is Staurogyne Concinnula safe for fish and other aquatic animals?
A: Yes, this plant is safe for fish and other aquatic animals. It can even provide cover and shelter for some species.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Staurogyne Concinnula:
- Staurogyne Repens
- Staurogyne Sp. ‘Low Grow’
- Staurogyne Porto Velho
- Staurogyne Bihar
References
- “Staurogyne concinnula.” Tropica Aquarium Plants. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Staurogyneconcinnula(057TC)/4460.
- “Staurogyne concinnula – Porto Velho.” Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021. https://www.flowgrow.de/db/aquaticplants/staurogyne-concinnula.
- “Staurogyne concinnula.” Aquatic Plant Central. Accessed 14 Oct. 2021. https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=379.
