Hydrocotyle Tripartita

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita
• Common Name: Dwarf Pennywort
• Origin: Asia (mainly Japan, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries)
• Height: 5–10 cm (2–4 inches)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Care: Easy
• Light: Moderate to high
• CO₂: Not strictly required, but beneficial
• Propagation: Stem cuttings or by runners
• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture & Appearance: Hydrocotyle tripartita has small, round, bright green leaves that resemble a mini version of the classic pennywort. The leaves grow on thin, creeping stems, and the plant forms a compact, low-growing ground cover, making it an excellent choice for foreground or carpeting in aquascapes.
• Placement: It is a great choice for the foreground, where it will spread quickly to create a dense, lush carpet. Can also be grown attached to rocks or driftwood in more natural aquascapes.
• 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 relatively undemanding.
• Lighting: Requires moderate to high lighting to stay compact and vibrant. In lower light, it can become leggy and may not form a dense carpet.
• CO₂: Not required, but the addition of CO₂ helps accelerate growth and maintain a lush, vibrant appearance. It does well in both low-tech and high-tech aquariums.
• Fertilization: Regular liquid fertilization helps it thrive, especially in nutrient-deficient setups. A nutrient-rich substrate can also help support root growth.
• Propagation: This plant spreads through runners. Simply cut healthy stems and replant them in the substrate, or let the runners propagate naturally to form new plants.
• Growth Rate: Moderate growth, but can spread quickly when provided with optimal conditions like CO₂ and high light.