Propagating Hydrocotyle tripartita 'Japan'
How to propagate the clover-leaf carpet plant Hydrocotyle tripartita 'Japan' by dividing its creeping runner mat and replanting portions in a grid for a dense aquascaping carpet.
Overview
Hydrocotyle tripartita 'Japan' is a small clover-leaved member of the genus Hydrocotyle (family Araliaceae). Like its relatives it grows long creeping stems that form dense mats and reproduces by sending roots from the stem nodes.
In the aquarium it is used as a low carpet or midground plant that can also cascade over hardscape. Its creeping stolons knit together into a mat, making it a popular foreground choice that provides excellent shelter for small fish and shrimp.
Propagation Method
The primary method is division of the creeping mat. Because the plant roots at its nodes along horizontal stolons, you can cut the mat into sections and replant each piece, where it re-roots and spreads. Trimmed stem tops can also be replanted as cuttings.
Step-by-Step
- Lift or trim a portion of the established mat, including a few nodes and any existing roots.
- Cut the creeping stolon into small sections, each with at least one or two nodes.
- Plant the sections in a grid across the substrate, pressing each node firmly so it does not float away.
- Space sections a few centimeters apart so the runners can fill the gaps between them.
- Keep planting depth shallow; the runners will spread horizontally and merge into a continuous carpet.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
It does best in medium to high lighting and warm water (about 20-28 C). It can be grown without CO2, but the carpet stays much denser and lower under high light plus CO2. Feed both water-column and substrate fertilizers to support the spreading runners.
Trimming & Maintenance
Trim roughly every two weeks to keep the carpet low and dense. When stems grow too tall, cut the tops and replant them in the ground to thicken thin areas. You can also train the delicate vines to creep over hardscape for a cascading effect.
Common Challenges
Freshly planted sections tend to float free before they root, so plant nodes firmly and deeply. Under weak light the plant grows tall and leggy instead of carpeting; raise light and CO2 and trim more often to force low, dense, horizontal growth.