Gymnocoronis spilanthoides variegatus (Senegal Tea plant)

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides variegatus (Senegal Tea Plant) — Striking Variegated Foliage for the Planted Aquarium

Gymnocoronis spilanthoides variegatus, commonly known as the Senegal Tea Plant, is a fast-growing stem plant prized for its unusual and highly decorative variegated foliage — broad, lance-shaped leaves splashed and streaked with creamy white, pale yellow, and green in a naturally irregular pattern that makes each stem uniquely beautiful. Bold, lush, and easy to grow, the variegated Senegal Tea Plant is a striking accent species that adds colour contrast and tropical drama to mid and background planting schemes.

Variegated Drama, Effortless Growth

The variegated form of Gymnocoronis spilanthoides retains all the vigorous, fast-growing nature of the standard species while adding a highly ornamental twist — the unpredictable, painterly variegation of its leaves creates a constantly changing, visually dynamic display as new growth emerges. Its large, broad leaves create excellent contrast against fine-leaved stem plants and compact foreground species, and its rapid growth rate makes it an effective nutrient competitor and algae suppressant in well-fertilised setups.

Care Profile

• Scientific Name: Gymnocoronis spilanthoides variegatus
• Common Name: Senegal Tea Plant (variegated)
• Origin: South America; widely naturalised across tropical regions
• Type: Stem plant
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Height: 20–50+ cm
• Placement: Midground to background
• Light: Medium to high — stronger light enhances variegation intensity and compact growth; low light results in more green, less variegated growth
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial for improving growth rate and variegation expression
• Fertilisation: Regular macro and micronutrient dosing recommended to support rapid growth and maintain leaf colouration
• Water Temperature: 20–30°C (highly adaptable)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Propagation: Stem cuttings — trim tops and replant; extremely easy to propagate
• Note: A vigorous grower — trim regularly to maintain shape and prevent shading of lower plants

Aquascape Compatibility

The variegated Senegal Tea Plant is an excellent background or midground accent in community aquariums, nature-style aquascapes, and low-to-medium tech planted tanks. Its bold, variegated leaves create a striking contrast against green stem plants, red species such as Rotala and Ludwigia, and fine-textured mosses. It is also highly effective in paludariums and emersed setups, where its variegation is often even more pronounced.

Bold, fast, and beautifully unpredictable — the variegated Senegal Tea Plant is the accent stem that brings tropical drama and colour contrast to any planted aquarium.