Plants
Mexican Oak Leaf
Shinnersia rivularis
Origin: Mexican oak leaf comes from Mexico and the southern USA, where it grows in rivers and streams with moderate flow. Its fast growth and hardiness have long made it popular in the hobby.
Also known as: Shinnersia rivularis, Trichocoronis rivularis
Fact sheet
- Height
- 50 cm
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Lighting
- Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Placement
- Background
Overview
Mexican oak leaf is a fast-growing, undemanding stem plant with distinctive lobed leaves resembling oak foliage. It is one of the most robust background plants: it grows under medium light without CO2, quickly filling the volume and helping against algae. Thanks to its growth rate it suits beginners and the start-up of new aquariums. A variegated form with white-cream patches on the leaves exists. It needs regular trimming or it shades the tank.
Appearance
Upright or slightly trailing stems bear opposite light green leaves with a coarsely lobed, oak-like edge. Leaf length is 3–6 cm. Height is up to 50 cm or more. Under strong light it grows more compactly; a variegated form exists.
Care
Very undemanding: medium to strong light, 20–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, a wide hardness range. CO2 is not required but speeds growth. It grows very fast and needs frequent trimming. It tolerates varied conditions.
Fertilizing
It actively takes nutrients from water and substrate. Macronutrients help fast growth. A good consumer of excess nitrate — it helps against algae.
Breeding
It propagates by cuttings: any stem fragment roots easily. Trimming stimulates branching.
Fun facts
The lobed, oak-like leaves give the plant its 'oak leaf' name. Thanks to its growth rate it is often used to stabilise a new aquarium. The variegated form grows more slowly than the green one.