Growing Temple Plant (Gymnocoronis Spilanthoides) In The Aquarium

Temple plant, Spadeleaf sword, West Indian marsh fleabane

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides is a swamp plant that naturally grows along the banks of shallow wetlands, marshes, lakes, brooks, and streams with muddy bottoms in South America. Its roots penetrate the moist soil and the plant itself forms dense clusters above the water surface. It also grows completely submerged.

This species is characterized by large, lanceolate, intensely green leaves with gently wavy edges, which grow in pairs at the nodes on a thick and fairly rigid stem. The root system is highly developed.

Due to its size, the plant should only be grown in large aquariums. It looks best planted in groups or terraced on the middle and back planes, as well as on the sides. It grows very fast, completely covering the bottom of the tank - it requires systematic pruning.

This species is easy to grow, has low requirements, and tolerates a wide range of water conditions. However, we should avoid planting it in shaded locations and in too fast water flow. In colder water, the plant goes dormant. Increasing the intensity of lighting results in the reddening of the leaves. This plant is often gnawed by snails. It is also recommended for tanks struggling with algae invasion - the fast growth rate causes the plant to absorb large amounts of nutrients.

It's a seed plant (numerous white, round flowers), but in aquarium conditions it is propagated vegetatively - from stem cuttings and side shoots.