TankBud

Mexican oak leaf

Shinnersia rivularis

Also known as Mexican oakleaf, Trichocoronis rivularis

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Mexican oak leaf (Shinnersia rivularis)
Rs79 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
64–82°F
18–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–8.0
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Asteraceae
Origin
Native to streams and riverbanks in Mexico and the southern United States.

Overview

Mexican oak leaf is an easy, fast-growing stem plant for the background of the tank.

Did you know

Mexican oak leaf is often called the fastest-growing stem plant in the hobby. That speed makes it handy for cycling and stabilizing a new tank quickly.

Caring for Mexican oak leaf

Plant Mexican oak leaf in the background, stripping the lower leaves and setting the stems a little apart. It does well in medium to bright light and needs no CO2. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help.

Mexican oak leaf grows extremely fast at 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C), and its speed is the main thing to manage. Trim it often so it does not shade its neighbors. Replant the cuttings, which root quickly, and the cut stems branch into new side shoots.

Good to know

Mexican oak leaf, Shinnersia rivularis, belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae, which makes it an unusual aquatic member of a mostly terrestrial group. The genus is named after the botanist Lloyd Shinners, and rivularis means growing by streams. The common name comes from its broad, coarsely toothed leaves, which look like oak foliage and often carry pale veins.

In the wild

Mexican oak leaf grows along streams and riverbanks in Mexico and the southern United States. It spreads quickly in flowing water.

Common questions

Does Mexican oak leaf need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Mexican oak leaf need CO2?

No. Mexican oak leaf grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Mexican oak leaf need?

Mexican oak leaf wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Mexican oak leaf need root tabs?

They help. Mexican oak leaf takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Mexican oak leaf?

Mexican oak leaf propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Mexican oak leaf grow?

Mexican oak leaf grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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