Pennywort

Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.) is a versatile, beginner-friendly aquatic plant that adds charm and lush greenery to both freshwater aquariums and paludariums. Known for its round, coin-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit, Pennywort is an ideal choice for aquascapers looking for a floating or rooted plant that thrives under various conditions. Whether you're aiming to create a natural, jungle-like aquascape or simply want to provide your aquatic pets with a more comfortable and stimulating environment, Pennywort is an excellent addition.

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🌿 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala (most common variant)

• Common Names: Brazilian Pennywort, Water Pennywort

• Plant Type: Stem plant

• Placement: Background, midground, or floating

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Lighting Requirement: Low to high (adapts well)

• CO₂ Requirement: Optional (will thrive without CO₂ supplementation)

• Propagation: By trimming and replanting stems

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💧 Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.8

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Tank Size: Suitable for small nano tanks to large aquariums

Pennywort adapts easily to different water parameters, making it ideal for community tanks and beginners. It can be grown submerged or partially emersed in open tanks or paludariums.

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🛠 Maintenance Level:

Low to Medium
This plant is incredibly forgiving and can handle irregular trimming and lighting changes. Its fast growth, however, means it may require occasional pruning to prevent overgrowth or blocking light from reaching other plants. Simply snip the stems and replant to propagate or manage shape.

Pennywort can float freely on the surface or be anchored in the substrate using plant weights or soft bindings. As a floating plant, it offers excellent coverage for surface-dwelling fish and helps control algae by blocking excess light.

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🐠 Fish Compatibility – Loved By:

• Betta fish – Love resting on or hiding under the leaves.

• Guppies & Endlers – Enjoy playing and swimming around its cover.

• Tetras & Rasboras – Feel secure with shaded swimming areas.

• Shrimps & Snails – Feed off biofilm on the leaves and stems.

• Goldfish – May nibble on it, so use in goldfish tanks with caution.

Pennywort provides hiding spots and a sense of security for shy fish, breeding areas for egg layers, and surfaces for shrimplets or fry to graze and shelter.

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🌱 Ideal For:

• Natural aquascapes and jungle-style tanks

• Beginners and low-tech tank setups

• Tanks needing floating plants for shade or fry protection

• Fishkeepers aiming to reduce algae with natural plant shading