Corrida yerba de guava (Geophila repens)

Also known as: Shiny-leaved groundweed, Creeping foxglove

A perennial plant native to tropical woodlands, **corrida yerba de guava** often appears as a weed in banana plantations. Its shade tolerance makes it an excellent choice for groundcover in shaded areas, as it forms a dense, creeping mat.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Corrida yerba de guava

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm

Spread

40 cm

Leaf Color

Green, shiny

Flower Size

1.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Corrida yerba de guava

Quickly Identify Corrida yerba de guava

To identify Geophila repens, look for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that lie flat against the soil. Its small, white to pinkish flowers are also indicative characteristics.

Scientific Classification of Corrida yerba de guava

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Madder

Genus

Geophila

Species

Corrida yerba de guava

Planting and Growing of Corrida yerba de guava

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Corrida yerba de guava?

Geophila repens thrives in consistently moist soils, but requires careful attention to avoid waterlogging. Ideal watering involves saturating the soil to the root zone, roughly 200 milliliters per session, ensuring the medium feels moist yet not drenched.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Corrida yerba de guava? ›

What should I do if my Corrida yerba de guava is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Corrida yerba de guava? ›

How to save an overwatered Corrida yerba de guava? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Corrida yerba de guava?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Geophila repens prefers a partial sun exposure with some shade, fostering balanced growth and vibrant foliage. Maintaining this light range bolsters its decorative appeal and natural vigor.

Achieving Ideal Light ›

Practical Steps to Maintain Light ›

Benefits of Optimal Lighting ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Corrida yerba de guava?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

Geophila repens thrives optimally in a temperature range between 68°F and 77°F. This range ensures the plant remains healthy, with its physiological processes functioning at peak efficiency. Maintaining this range allows the plant to perform effective photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and root development, which are all crucial for its overall growth and vitality.

What Soil is Best for Corrida yerba de guava?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Geophila repens thrives in soil that retains moisture without being waterlogged. Loamy soil provides the perfect balance of water retention and drainage, which is crucial for the plant's root health and overall vigor. This plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. Nutrient availability supports healthy foliage and robust growth, making loamy soil with added compost or organic material ideal for its cultivation. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot in Geophila repens. Sandy loam provides a structure that ensures excess water drains away quickly, protecting the plant from water stagnation and root diseases.

How to Fertilize Corrida yerba de guava?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Geophila repens, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply around 10 ml per plant, ensuring that the soil is moist before application to prevent root burn.

How to Prune Corrida yerba de guava?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by identifying any overgrown, dead, or diseased stems. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to trim these areas. This will encourage healthier growth and help maintain the plant’s aesthetic shape. Focus on cutting just above a leaf node to promote new growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Corrida yerba de guava plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Late spring

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours prior to sowing to encourage quicker germination. After soaking, plant them in a seed tray filled with a mix of sand and compost.

Select a healthy stem and cut a 4-6 inch segment. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant in moist potting soil.

Carefully remove a mature plant from its pot. Gently separate the root ball into sections, ensuring each has roots and shoots. Replant each division into a suitable pot filled with well-draining soil.

How to Repot Corrida yerba de guava plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Geophila repens is ideally done when the plant exhibits signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes, soil compacted or poor drainage, and slowed growth. These are indicators that the plant requires more space and nutrients for better health.

Choose a pot with drainage holes and ensure it is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. A properly chosen pot prevents waterlogging and provides sufficient space for the roots to expand, promoting healthier plant growth.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix with equal parts of peat, perlite, and organic matter. This composition aids in retaining adequate moisture while facilitating drainage, preventing root rot and ensuring the roots receive enough air circulation.