Brazilian pennywort has bright green, round leaves with scalloped edges on long, trailing stems. It grows quickly and adapts to almost any tank, either planted in the substrate or left floating at the surface.
Hydrocotyle leucocephala is one of the easiest plants available. It is a good choice for beginners who want fast growth to absorb nutrients and compete with algae.
Origin
The species comes from South and Central America, including Brazil, where it grows along stream banks and in shallow water, often climbing over other plants.
Appearance and growth
Leaves grow singly from nodes along a winding stem, each on its own stalk. Stems grow toward the light and then spread across the surface. Out of water, it produces small round clusters of white flowers. It is closely related to the whorled pennywort.
Placement
Plant stems in the background, tie it to wood, or let it float. It works well in a riparium, growing out of the water.
Light, CO2 and nutrients
Low to high light all work; growth speeds up as light increases. CO2 is optional. It feeds mostly from the water, so liquid fertiliser helps more than root tabs.
Water conditions
- Temperature: 20–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Propagation and maintenance
Cut any stem section with a few leaves and replant or let it float. Trim weekly in bright tanks, or it will cover the surface and shade everything below.
Compatibility
It suits community tanks, shrimp tanks and livebearer tanks. Goldfish and large herbivores will eat it.
Common problems
Stems that stretch with few leaves need more light. Pale leaves suggest a lack of iron or nitrogen.
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