Gymnocoronis spilanthoides: complete guide

Overview

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, also known as Senegal teaplant or Temple Plant, is a tropical aquatic plant from the Asteraceae family (daisy family). Native to Peru through Brazil and northern Argentina, this plant is especially popular in aquarium hobbies due to its elegant rooting and rapid growth. Gymnocoronis spilanthoides forms beautiful green stems with fine leaves and is ideal for aquascaping and semi-aquatic cultivation.

Appearance and bloom

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides grows as a slender aquatic plant with opposite, elliptical leaves. The leaves are 2-4 centimeters long, glossy green, and possess a delicate texture. The stems are reddish to greenish-red and can grow 30-40 centimeters tall.

The flowering is discrete: small yellow or whitish-yellow flowers appear in small flower heads along the stems. However, these flowers are not the main attraction - rather, it is the graceful leaves that distinguish this plant.

Ideal location

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides thrives best in well-lit aquariums receiving 8-12 hours of light daily. It is not overly demanding and can grow under moderate light, though growth will be slower. In aquariums, place it in the midground to background.

In warm, humid terrariums it also grows well as a semi-aquatic plant.

Soil

As an aquarium plant, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides grows in aquarium gravel or sand, though it can also float in water. For robust growth, nutrient-rich substrate is preferable. Add a layer of nutrient-enriched fertilizer sand beneath regular aquarium gravel.

The plant needs nutrition from the water column or through liquid fertilizers.

Watering

As an aquatic plant, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides requires constant water. In aquariums, water is constant. Water should be pure and moderately hard to soft (pH 5.0-7.5). Temperature should remain between 20-28 degrees Celsius.

For semi-aquatic cultivation in terrariums, keep soil constantly moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides grows rapidly and benefits from regular pruning. Pinch stem tips to encourage branching. Remove lower leaves regularly to prevent algae from attaching to surfaces. The plant can be pruned quite drastically without damage.

Remove dead or yellow leaves promptly.

Maintenance calendar

Spring/Summer: Regular feeding, intense light, frequent pruning. Plant growth is at its best.

Fall: Gradually reduce feeding, pruning still beneficial.

Winter: Minimal feeding, possibly less light, slower growth.

Year-round: Check water parameters, perform regular water changes (25% weekly).

Winter hardiness

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is not winter hardy in temperate zones. The plant is strictly tropical and requires water temperatures between 20-28 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius, growth will stop and the plant will deteriorate.

In permanent warmwater aquariums, it grows year-round.

Companion plants

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides grows well with other aquarium plants: Ludwigia, Rotala, Hemianthus, and small ferns. The slender growth fits perfectly in midground planting schemes.

The plant is safe for most fish and will not be eaten.

Closing thoughts

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is a fantastic choice for aquascapers seeking slender, elegant aquarium plants. Rapid growth, beautiful leaves, and relative ease of cultivation make this plant an absolute favorite. Try this plant in your aquarium and enjoy its tropical beauty.

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