Photo: Mechsnipe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brazilian pennywort
Hydrocotyle leucocephala Cham. & Schltdl.
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Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
20–28 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- midground, foreground, floating
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Its round, light green leaves sit on supple stems that can climb between other plants or run along the surface. This South American pennywort contrasts well with Anubias and dark foliage. It can be used in a stand, around a root or as a floating plant.
- Scientific name
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala Cham. & Schltdl.
- Classification
- Apiales › Araliaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Central America, Caribbean, tropical South America, southern South America
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Undemanding, it accepts a wide range of conditions and does not necessarily need CO₂. Good light and available nutrients nevertheless make it more vigorous. Side shoots are easy to take as cuttings. Yellowing leaf edges can signal a lack of iron; also keep in check the stems that begin to shade their neighbours.
Sources:Flowgrow GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth