🌿 Overview

Staurogyne spatulata is a hardy, compact stem plant native to Southeast Asia, widely used in nature aquariums, paludariums, and planted tanks. Known for its small spatula-shaped leaves and bushy growth, it forms dense carpets or clusters that enhance visual depth.

Its adaptability makes it perfect for beginners, while high-tech aquariums with CO₂ and strong lighting bring out its dense and compact appearance.

🍃 Appearance

• Small, bright green, spatula-shaped leaves
• Low-growing and bushy, forming dense carpets
• Height: 5–10 cm
• Ideal for foreground or midground planting
• Maintains vibrant green coloration under moderate to high lighting
• Forms compact clusters with regular trimming

🌿 Plant Type (Hard/Soft)

• Type: Stem plant
• Category: Soft aquatic plant
• Growth rate: Moderate

🌡️ Ideal Water Temperature

• 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

💡 Lighting Conditions

• Medium to high lighting recommended
• Moderate light ensures healthy growth
• High light promotes denser foliage and compact clusters

🌿 CO₂ Requirement

• Optional but recommended
• CO₂ encourages faster growth, denser carpets, and vibrant coloration

⚗️ Ideal pH Level

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Slightly acidic to neutral water preferred

💧 Other Requirements

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate encourages faster growth
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs and liquid fertilizers
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Regular trimming promotes dense carpets and compact appearance
• Stable water conditions enhance leaf color and health

🌱 Propagation

• Easily propagated via stem cuttings
• Cut healthy tops and replant into substrate
• Rapid development of side shoots ensures dense coverage

💡 Do You Know?

Staurogyne spatulata is considered a miniature Staurogyne species, perfect for creating lush foreground carpets without high maintenance. It is excellent for small tanks, nano aquariums, and aquascapes requiring dense greenery.

🏷️ Plant Category Classification

🟢 Beginner Friendly

✔ Yes – Hardy and forgiving, ideal for new aquarists

🟢 Non-CO₂ Plant (Low-Tech)

✔ Yes – Can grow without CO₂, though growth may be slower

🟢 High-Tech Plant

✔ Yes – Thrives with CO₂ and strong lighting, forming denser carpets