Hydrocotyle Marble

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle verticillata "Marble"

• Common Name: Marble Pennywort

• Origin: Asia (native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand and the Philippines)

• Height: 5–10 cm (2–4 inches)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Care: Easy to moderate

• Light: Moderate to high

• CO₂: Optional, but beneficial

• Propagation: Stem cuttings or by runners

• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture & Appearance: Hydrocotyle Marble is a striking variety of pennywort with round, marble-patterned leaves, featuring a unique white and green variegation that gives it a distinct appearance in aquascapes. The leaves are often slightly larger than those of Hydrocotyle tripartita, adding texture and color contrast to foreground or midground areas.

• Placement: Best suited for the foreground or midground of aquascapes. It can also be used in low-growing carpeting or as an accent plant in natural or Dutch-style layouts.

• Water Conditions: Prefers soft to moderately hard water and a temperature range of 20–28°C (68–82°F). It thrives in stable water conditions and is adaptable to various aquarium setups.

• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is ideal to maintain its vibrant color and compact growth. In lower light, the plant may become leggy and the marble variegation may fade.

• CO₂: Not required, but CO₂ supplementation will enhance growth, improve overall health, and promote vibrant coloration. While it can grow without CO₂, it will thrive better with it in high-tech aquariums.

• Fertilization: Regular liquid fertilization will benefit this plant, particularly with nutrients like iron and micronutrients, which support the distinctive variegation. Root tabs can also provide additional nutrients if planted in substrate.

• Propagation: Propagates easily through stem cuttings or runners. Trim the stem and replant the cuttings in the substrate, or allow the plant to spread naturally by sending out new runners.

• Growth Rate: Moderate, though it grows faster with high light and CO₂. It will form a dense, attractive carpet if provided with optimal conditions.