Trichocoronis rivularis Care Guide

Trichocoronis rivularis (accepted name Shinnersia rivularis), the Mexican oak leaf, is a fast-growing stem plant from Mexico and Texas.

Overview

Trichocoronis rivularis is a stem plant of the family Asteraceae, known in the hobby as Mexican oak leaf. Its accepted scientific name is Shinnersia rivularis; Trichocoronis rivularis is treated as a synonym. It is a fast-growing plant with leaves shaped like small oak leaves.

Taxonomy

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Trichocoronis
Scientific name: Trichocoronis rivularis
Accepted name: Shinnersia rivularis (A.Gray) R.M.King & H.Rob.
Common name: Mexican oak leaf

Origin

The species is native to Mexico and Texas, with records from northern Coahuila and Nuevo León and along the Nueces River in Texas. It grows as a long-stemmed perennial that can be cultivated submersed in aquaria and partly emersed in paludariums.

Morphology

Leaves are opposite, broadly lanceolate to three-lobed, coarsely toothed or wavy, resembling oak leaves. They reach about 2-4 cm long and up to 2 cm wide, ranging from light green to brownish-red under bright light, sometimes with white veins under good conditions.

Tank requirements

Lighting: medium (brighter light intensifies colour and veining)
CO2: not strictly required
Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-14 °dGH
Height: about 15-30 cm in aquaria
Placement: midground to background

Planting and care

Grown as a stem plant, it develops quickly and requires regular pruning to keep it from shading slower neighbours. Bright lighting promotes characteristic white veins. It is relatively undemanding and grows without forced CO2, though stronger light improves form and colour.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings: trimmed tops are replanted into the substrate, where they root readily and resume rapid growth.

Difficulty

Rated beginner-friendly. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and grows fast, but the rapid growth requires frequent trimming.