Brazilian Pennywort care guide
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) — low light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is an aquatic plant of the family Araliaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. A fast-growing versatile stem plant with attractive round leaves. Can be planted in substrate or left floating. An excellent nutrient absorber that helps control algae, making it a top choice for beginners.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genus: Hydrocotyle
- Scientific name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala
- Common synonyms: Pennywort, Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Habitat
Hydrocotyle is a cosmopolitan genus of small marsh plants (Araliaceae) growing in damp meadows, ditches and along stream margins. Stems are creeping and root readily at each node. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 60 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
Midground or foreground; the round leaves form bright low cushions when grown under high light, and trail upward toward the surface under softer light. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Propagated by cuttings of horizontal stems; every node carries dormant roots that strike quickly in nutrient-rich substrate. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Shading and low light cause vertical stretching and leggy growth; brighter light and regular trimming maintain a compact mat.
Propagating Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)
Overview
Brazilian pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) belongs to the genus Hydrocotyle in the family Araliaceae. These pennyworts are perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plants that grow long creeping stems and reproduce by sending roots from the stem nodes.
In the aquarium it is an easy, fast plant with large round leaves on vine-like stems. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating, and it grows upward toward the light, making it a forgiving choice for beginners and a strong nutrient absorber.
Propagation Method
Brazilian pennywort is propagated by stem cuttings. Because the plant roots from its nodes, almost any cut section will grow into a new plant. You can replant cuttings in the substrate or simply let them float, where they continue to grow and root.
Step-by-Step
- Choose a long, healthy stem with several leaves and visible nodes.
- With clean scissors, cut a section 8-15 cm long, ensuring it includes at least two or three nodes.
- Decide whether to plant or float: to plant, bury the lowest node in the substrate; to float, simply lay the cutting on the surface.
- Keep the leaves above the lowest node intact so the cutting can photosynthesize.
- Within days, new roots emerge from the submerged nodes and the cutting begins to grow upward.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
It is undemanding: it does well in medium to higher light and tolerates a wide range of temperature (about 20-28 C) and hardness without added CO2. Brighter light and good nutrients speed its already fast growth and keep leaves large and green.
Trimming & Maintenance
This plant spreads across a wide area quickly, so expect regular trimming, especially in small tanks. Trim back long stems and replant or float the tops; left unchecked it will grow right out the top of the tank. Grown emersed, it can even produce small white flowers.
Common Challenges
The main issue is vigor: it can quickly overgrow a small tank and shade plants below it. Floating mats may block too much light if not thinned. In low light it grows leggier with smaller leaves, so increase light or trimming to keep it bushy.