Whorled Pennywort care guide
Whorled Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) — low light, 18-26 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Whorled Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) 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 nutrient-rich aquasoil. An attractive foreground plant with small, round, umbrella-like leaves on slender stems. Grows slowly and stays compact, making it ideal for the foreground of planted tanks. Tolerates low light and is easy to maintain.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genus: Hydrocotyle
- Scientific name: Hydrocotyle verticillata
- Common synonyms: Shield Pennywort, Hydrocotyle verticillata
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 North America, Central America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: foreground
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 foreground under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
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: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Shading and low light cause vertical stretching and leggy growth; brighter light and regular trimming maintain a compact mat.