Staurogyne sp. ‘Porto Velho’ Rare Ground-Creeping Foreground Stem Plant

Staurogyne sp. ‘Porto Velho’, also known as Porto Velho Staurogyne, is a rare and captivating foreground plant with origins in the Brazilian states of Rondnia and Roraima. Introduced to the aquatic plant community only in recent years, this unique species has quickly become a favorite among aquascapers in the USA and Japan for its creeping growth habit, narrow lanceolate leaves, and striking grayish-green coloration with purplish undertones. Despite being relatively unknown in Europe, it’s gaining traction as one of the most promising new foreground plants for nature-style and Dutch-style aquascapes.

Underwater, it displays long, pointed, narrow leaves and hirsute light brown stemsclearly distinguishing it from the more common Staurogyne repens. While somewhat slower-growing and more demanding than S. repens, S. ‘Porto Velho’ excels with proper CO injection, stable nutrients, and moderate to high lighting, forming dense, ivy-like carpets over time.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Staurogyne sp. ‘Porto Velho’

• Synonyms / Misapplied Names: Hygrophila sp. ‘Roraima’, Hygrophila sp. ‘Porto Velho’

• Common Name: Porto Velho Staurogyne

• Family: Acanthaceae

• Origin: Brazil (Rondnia & Roraima)

• Growth Form: Creeping stem plant with narrow, apiculate lanceolate leaves

• Coloration: Grayish-green with hints of purple under strong lighting

• Stem Texture: Submersed stems are light brown and hirsute (hairy)

• Rarity: Still rarely cultivated in Europe, but highly sought after in the U.S. and Japan

Growth & Propagation:

• Lighting Needs: Medium to high

• CO & Fertilizers: Strongly recommended; responds well to macro/micro nutrients

• Growth Method: Submerged

• Nutrient Substrate: Required

• Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes (but emersed growth is more difficult; requires strong light and steady nutrients)

• Growth Rate: Moderate (slower than S. repens)

• pH Range: 5.0 7.0

• Temperature Tolerance: 68F 86F (20C 30C)

• Hardness Range: KH 010 / GH 030

• Propagation: Stem cuttings, runners, or daughter plant separation

Aquascaping Benefits:

• Creates an elegant, creeping foreground or low midground carpet

• Offers a deep, earthy contrast with its dark, grayish-green leaves and purple hues

• Pairs beautifully with finer-leaved carpeting plants or light-green stems for visual balance

What Youll Receive:

Sold as loose fresh-cut plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Fresh-Cut Plants: Approximately 3 individual, loose-cut stems without root

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 3 stems without root bundled with foam and a plant weight

• Potted Plants: Approximately 3 stems without root potted in rockwool and net pot

Disclaimer:

Staurogyne sp. ‘Porto Velho’ is slower to establish than typical carpeting plants and may lose some leaves during initial transition. Consistent CO injection and macro/micro dosing are highly recommended to promote healthy root anchoring and lateral spread. As with many stem plants, selective trimming encourages denser growth and faster propagation.

State Restrictions Notice Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Always follow local regulations when purchasing aquatic plants. Never release aquarium species into natural waterways. Responsible ownership helps protect native ecosystems.