Propagating Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)

A simple guide to propagating fast-growing Brazilian pennywort from stem cuttings, planted or floating, using its habit of rooting at nodes to multiply quickly in any tank.

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

1. Choose a long, healthy stem with several leaves and visible nodes.
2. With clean scissors, cut a section 8-15 cm long, ensuring it includes at least two or three nodes.
3. Decide whether to plant or float: to plant, bury the lowest node in the substrate; to float, simply lay the cutting on the surface.
4. Keep the leaves above the lowest node intact so the cutting can photosynthesize.
5. 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.