Hydrocotyle Leucocephala

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

Brazilian Pennywort – Fast-Growing, Versatile Stem Plant

Hydrocotyle leucocephala, commonly known as Brazilian Pennywort, is a highly adaptable and fast-growing aquatic plant recognized for its round, coin-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit. It can be grown rooted in the substrate, draped over hardscape, or left floating, making it extremely versatile for a wide range of aquascaping styles. Its rapid growth and nutrient uptake also make it excellent for improving water quality and controlling excess nutrients.

🌱 Key Features

• Distinctive round, penny-like leaves

• Can be grown rooted, creeping, or floating

• Very fast growth under good conditions

• Excellent nutrient and nitrate absorber

• Beginner-friendly and highly adaptable

⚙️ Optimal Aquarium Parameters

Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Fast
Placement: Foreground (trained), Midground, Background, or Floating

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)

• pH: 5.5–7.8

• GH: 2–12 dGH

• KH: 1–6 dKH

• TDS: ~100–250 ppm

💡 Lighting

• Requirement: Low to High

• Medium to high light produces compact growth and smaller leaves

• Low light results in larger leaves and longer internodes

💨 CO₂

• Optional but Beneficial

• CO₂ encourages faster growth, tighter spacing, and richer coloration

🌿 Nutrients

• Primarily a water-column feeder

• Regular dosing of macros and micronutrients recommended

• Responds well to nitrate and iron availability

✂️ Care & Maintenance

• Trim frequently to prevent shading of slower-growing plants

• Can be trained to creep horizontally by trimming vertical shoots

• Very tolerant of parameter fluctuations once established