Description
Brazilian Pennywort (scientific name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala) couldn’t be more perfect. You will love it as the plant, with round dime to half-dollar-sized leaves growing along an ivy-like creeping stem, is definitely a highlight to your live planted aquarium. Your fish will love it as they find nowhere better shelters than in Brazilian Pennywort.
Brazilian Pennywort is a fast-growing and less demanding species. They can be suitable for various aquarium setups, from fully aquatic to boggy ones. With a height of 24 inches (60 cm), they are best placed in the midground to the background of aquariums. Planting Brazilian Pennywort is a ‘breeze’. You can either stick them into a substrate, a hard surface, or let them float. Carefully weigh the plant down if you go with the former, as Brazilian Pennywort has a small, thin root system. If you choose to leave them floating, gently divide the plant and spread it on the surface of the water. Your aquatic inhabitants would love the cover their roots bring about.
In order to have lively and robust Brazilian Pennyworts, you should provide them with sufficient lighting and appropriate water conditions. They can adapt to a wide range of water hardness but prefer warm environments with a slightly neutral pH level. The species takes in nutrients from the water column. Hence, you don’t need a nutrient-rich base when growing it. Brazilian Pennywort has no issues growing out of the water. The feature makes it fit for terrariums or paludariums. When growing emersed, the aquatic plant will produce small white flowers.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Brazilian Pennywort for sale and other aquarium plants for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for a wide selection of freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, and aquarium supplies.
What You Can Expect From This Plant:
Fast-growing and less demanding species
Fit to aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums
Providing shelters for fish
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Temperature: 72° – 82°F (22° – 28°C)
pH: 6-8
GH: 4-18 dGH
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons (about 40 litres)
CARE GUIDELINES:
Supplements: CO2 is not necessary (when left floating) but recommended
Lighting: Moderate to high
Origin: Southern Mexico to Northern Argentina
Potential height 24 inches (60 cm) in height and about 6 inches (15 cm) in width under optimal conditions
Aquarium placement: Midground to background
Growth rate: Fast
Braziliant Pennywort Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Brazilian Pennywort grow floating?
Yes, Brazilian Pennywort can grow both floating and rooted, making it one of the most versatile freshwater aquarium plants available. When grown as a floating plant, its round green leaves spread across the water’s surface, creating shade and providing shelter for fish and shrimp. Floating growth also promotes faster nutrient absorption from the water column, helping improve water quality and reduce algae. This flexibility makes Hydrocotyle leucocephala a great choice for aquascapers who want a dynamic, adaptable pennywort aquarium plant.
Do Brazilian Pennywort need substrate?
No, Brazilian Pennywort does not require substrate to grow successfully. While it can be planted in substrate for a more rooted appearance, it absorbs most of its nutrients directly from the water through its stems and leaves. This allows it to thrive equally well when anchored to driftwood, decorations, or left to float freely. For the healthiest growth, supplement with liquid fertilizer or nutrient-rich water to ensure the plant receives adequate micronutrients.
Are Brazilian Pennywort easy to care for?
Yes, Brazilian Pennywort is very easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners and low-maintenance aquariums. It thrives in a wide range of lighting and water conditions, from low-tech setups to CO₂-injected planted tanks. Regular trimming helps manage its fast growth and encourages bushier, fuller leaves. This hardy pennywort aquarium plant grows quickly, helps oxygenate the tank, and offers natural cover for small fish and shrimp, all while requiring minimal upkeep.
