Product Description:

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle Tripartita
• Common Name: Japanese Pennywort
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Japan, China, Vietnam)
• Growth Type: Foreground carpeting plant

Key Features:

• Appearance: Hydrocotyle Tripartita boasts small, bright green, clover-like leaves that spread horizontally across the substrate. Its dense carpeting growth adds a vibrant green hue, transforming the look of your aquarium. It creates a natural, lush background or foreground, depending on how it is maintained and pruned.

• Growth Rate: This plant is fast-growing under the right conditions. Its creeping stems will quickly take root in the substrate, spreading out to form a thick carpet across the bottom of the aquarium. It also grows vertically if allowed, which can give a unique, bushy look to your aquascape.

• Lighting Requirements: Hydrocotyle Tripartita thrives in medium to high lighting. The brighter the light, the more compact and dense the plant will grow, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a thick green carpet in their aquariums. Under lower light conditions, the plant may become leggy, growing upwards instead of spreading out.

• CO2 Requirement: While not strictly necessary, providing CO2 supplementation will greatly enhance the growth and density of Hydrocotyle Tripartita. With CO2, this plant will grow faster and stay more compact, making it easier to shape into the perfect carpet.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F) – this plant thrives in tropical aquariums.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5 – Hydrocotyle Tripartita adapts well to a slightly acidic to neutral environment.
  • Hardness: Soft to medium water hardness (2-12 dGH). However, it can tolerate a range of water conditions, making it suitable for most freshwater tanks.

• Maintenance Level: Hydrocotyle Tripartita is a low-maintenance plant that can grow well with minimal attention, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced aquarists. Regular trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth, especially in high-light or CO2-supplemented setups, where it can quickly take over. Simply snip off the runners as needed to maintain the desired carpet height or shape.

• Propagation: This plant propagates by sending out runners. You can easily propagate it by cutting off a portion of the plant along with its root system and replanting it in the substrate. Given its fast growth, Hydrocotyle Tripartita will quickly establish itself and spread throughout the tank.

Tank Placement & Aesthetics:

• Ideal for use as a foreground or midground plant in a variety of aquascapes, including Dutch, nature, and Iwagumi-style layouts.
• Can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or allowed to carpet the substrate.
• Its bright green color contrasts beautifully with dark substrates or against vibrant fish species.

Aquarium Compatibility:

• Fish Compatibility: Hydrocotyle Tripartita is loved by many species of fish and invertebrates. It provides shelter for small fish, fry, and shrimp, making it ideal for community tanks. Fish that enjoy this plant include:
  • Betta fish: Betta love to rest on its broad leaves.
  • Guppies: Guppies love the dense foliage for playing and resting.
  • Tetras: Schooling fish like Neon Tetras enjoy darting around its cover.
  • Shrimp: Cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp benefit from the plant’s surface area, which helps with biofilm growth that they feed on.

Additional Benefits:

• Oxygenation: Hydrocotyle Tripartita actively contributes to oxygenating the water, creating a healthier environment for your fish and other aquatic inhabitants.

• Water Purification: Like most aquatic plants, it helps absorb excess nutrients in the water, preventing the growth of algae and helping to keep the water clean and clear.

• Hiding Spots: Its dense growth offers excellent hiding places for shy fish and fry, creating a secure and stress-free environment.

Care Tips:

• If grown under high lighting with CO2, you’ll need to trim it regularly to maintain a low and dense carpet.
• In low-tech tanks, the plant will still thrive, but it might grow more leggy and tall, so adjust lighting and fertilization accordingly.
• Ensure good water circulation and fertilization to prevent the plant from developing dead spots or yellow leaves.

In Conclusion, Hydrocotyle Tripartita is an excellent addition to any aquarium. Its vibrant appearance, ease of maintenance, and benefits for tank inhabitants make it a favorite among aquascapers. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this fast-growing plant will enhance the aesthetics of your tank while providing functional benefits for your aquatic life.