Skip to content
Plant Freshwater Care: easy

Mexican Oak Leaf

Shinnersia rivularis
— No votes yet Rate it
Other names: Shinnersia rivularis, Shinnersia
Group: Stem plants · Family: Asteraceae · Origin: North America — northeastern Mexico and Texas

A fast-growing, easy-care stem plant with lobed, light green leaves that resemble oak leaves. It quickly forms full groups in the background; there is also a variegated form.

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.8
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Light
Medium
CO₂
Not needed
Growth
Fast
Placement
Background
Height
Up to 60 cm

Water parameters

Temperature18–28°C
pH6–7.8
General hardness (GH)3–15 dGH
Recommended range

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Shinnersia rivularis is an aquatic plant of the daisy family from the streams of northeastern Mexico and Texas. Its light green leaves are lobed and wavy at the edges; because they look like oak leaves it is known as "Mexican oak leaf". It grows fast and lives easily in moderate light without CO₂ or special fertilizer. A 'Variegata' form with white-and-green variegated leaves is also sold.

Planting and Placement

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Plant the stems individually, 3–4 cm apart, 3–4 cm deep.
  • Use it in the background or in corners, in groups of 5–7 stems.

Care and Fertilization

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Light: Moderate; under strong light it grows denser.
  • CO₂: Not required.
  • Fertilizer: Regular but light liquid fertilization is enough.
  • Trimming: Because it grows fast it needs frequent cutting; take stems that reach the surface from the top and replant them.

Propagation

This section has not been written yet. How is it propagated? Be the first to write it

Common Problems

This section has not been written yet. Problems such as melting, yellowing and algae, and how to fix them. Be the first to write it

Hobbyist notes

0 notes

Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.

No notes yet. If you have experience with this species, leave the first note.
Change history and contributors
  1. Page created · October 16, 2026