Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ – ADA Tissue Culture

Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ is a beautiful and hardy mid-ground plant from the Amazon region, known for its dense and bushy growth. Its deep green leaves and compact form make it a favorite for creating lush patches in aquascapes. While it can resemble the more common Staurogyne repens, ‘Manaus’ is distinct with slightly longer, more vibrant leaves, offering a unique look in planted tanks.

This product comes in ADA Tissue Culture, which ensures the plant is grown in sterile conditions, free from pests, algae, or any unwanted contaminants. Tissue culture plants offer a healthy, clean start, making them an excellent choice for all levels of aquascapers.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting will yield the best results for this plant. While it can survive in lower light, high light promotes more compact growth and vibrant leaf coloration.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ as it absorbs nutrients through its roots. Aquasoils are preferred, but it can also thrive with the addition of root tabs in standard substrates.
• CO2: While not strictly required, CO2 injection significantly improves growth, color intensity, and overall health. In high-tech setups with CO2, the plant grows denser and faster, creating a beautiful focal point in the aquarium.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3 – 10 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture:
   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container, which contains the Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ growing in a nutrient-rich gel.
2. Rinsing the Plant:
   • Gently remove the plant from the container and wash off the gel using clean, lukewarm water. Thoroughly rinsing the gel is important to avoid introducing it into your aquarium, as it can cause water quality issues.
3. Dividing the Plant:
   • After rinsing, you can split the plant into smaller portions. Each portion should contain a few stems and roots, allowing you to spread the plant across your aquascape.
4. Planting:
   • Using aquascaping tweezers, plant the individual portions into the substrate. Bury the roots, but keep the stems above the substrate. Space the portions out slightly to allow them to grow and spread naturally over time.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ is a moderately fast-growing plant when provided with ample light, CO2, and nutrients. It remains compact, making it ideal for mid-ground placement in aquascapes.
• Trimming: Regular trimming will encourage bushier growth and help maintain the plant’s desired shape. Cutting the top growth will promote horizontal spreading, making the plant denser.
• Fertilization: This plant will thrive with regular doses of liquid fertilizers, especially those rich in micronutrients like iron. Additionally, adding root tabs near the base of the plant can enhance root health and overall growth.

Special Notes:

• Compatibility: Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ works well in most aquarium setups. It is compatible with shrimp, small fish, and other peaceful tank inhabitants. Its bushy growth provides excellent cover and hiding places for small fish and shrimp.
• Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by cutting and replanting the trimmed stems. The cuttings will quickly develop roots and continue to grow in the substrate.

Summary:

Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds texture and greenery to the mid-ground of aquascapes. Its vibrant leaves and compact growth make it a popular choice among aquascapers looking to create dense patches or bushy structures. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, this plant arrives clean, healthy, and ready to be planted in your aquarium.

By following the tissue culture preparation steps and providing the plant with moderate lighting, nutrient-rich substrate, and optional CO2 injection, you can enjoy its robust growth and deep green foliage. Whether used in small clusters or larger patches, Staurogyne porto velho ‘Manaus’ will be a stunning addition to any planted aquarium.