Hydrocotle Leucocephala

🌿 Species Profile

• Common Name: Brazilian Pennywort
• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala
• Plant Type: Stem / creeping aquatic plant
• Origin: South America (Brazil)
• Growth Rate: Very fast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Background or floating

🌱 Appearance

• Round, coin-like green leaves
• Thin, creeping stems with alternating leaf nodes
• Can grow:
  • Submerged (planted in substrate)
  • Floating on water surface
• Size:
  • Leaves: ~1–4 cm diameter
  • Stems: can grow 30–80+ cm

It creates a soft, natural jungle vine effect in aquariums.

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Very adaptable
• Lighting: Low to medium (high light = faster growth)
• CO₂: Not required

🌿 Substrate & Nutrition

• Can grow without substrate (floating or water column feeding)
• Grows faster with:
  • Liquid fertilizers
  • Moderate nutrients in water
• In substrate, it develops stronger rooted stems

✂️ Care Tips

• Grows extremely fast → needs frequent trimming
• Can shade other plants if not controlled
• Best grown in groups for bushy effect
• Easy to replant cut stems

🌱 Propagation

• Very easy:
  • Cut stem sections → replant or float
  • New roots form at nodes quickly

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Background filler plant
• Natural jungle-style aquascapes
• Floating cover for fry/shy fish

Compatible with:

• Tetras
• Guppies
• Rasboras
• Shrimp
• Betta fish (as floating cover)