Brazilian Pennywort
Brazilian Pennywort
Out of stock
Please note: This plant is grown and sold as floating but roots can be planted into substrate!
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Is Your Tank Ready? — Important Info Before Buying
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Description:
Brazilian pennywort, scientifically known as Hydrocotyle Leucocephala, is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby. It is native to Central and South America, including Brazil, where it grows abundantly in wetlands and along water bodies.
Its leaves are round to oval-shaped, typically measuring around 2-3cm in diameter. These leaves are bright green and have a smooth texture with slightly scalloped edges. Pennywort stems are thin and can grow quite long, often trailing or floating on the water's surface in aquatic environments.
Growth Habit:
Brazilian Pennywort can be planted in two ways: gently insert the stems into the aquarium or pond substrate, ensuring roots are covered for secure anchoring. Space stems a few centimetres apart to promote optimal growth and prevent overcrowding. Alternatively, allow the stems to float freely on the water's surface to naturally form a dense canopy, offering shade and cover for aquatic inhabitants while absorbing nutrients directly. This plant grows via slender, creeping stems that extend horizontally, reaching lengths from several centimetres to over a meter in ideal conditions. It can rapidly form dense mats, enhancing aquarium and pond aesthetics while providing shelter for fish.
Caring for the Brazilian Pennywort:
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant colouration of the Brazilian Pennywort in your aquarium, follow these care guidelines:
- Substrate and Nutrients:
Provide the Pennywort with a nutrient-rich substrate such as aqua soil and supplement with root tabs. This ensures the plant has access to essential nutrients for robust growth and health.
- Fertilisation:
Regularly use aquarium fertilisers to enhance coloration and promote healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer bottle for precise dosing to avoid over-fertilisation.
- CO2 Injection:
Consider injecting CO2 into your aquarium setup to optimise growth and bring out the full vibrancy of the Pennywort. CO2 supplementation can significantly enhance plant health and appearance.
- Maintenance
Regularly monitor water parameters and plant health to ensure conditions remain optimal. Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote new growth and maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
By following these care practices, you can cultivate a thriving and visually stunning green in your aquarium, enhancing the beauty of your aquatic environment.
Compatibility:
Brazilian Pennywort is generally compatible with most fish species. Its dense growth provides shelter and hiding places, which can reduce stress for fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium or pond.
- Species – Hydrocotyle Leucocephala
- Common Name – Brazilian Pennywort
- Origin – Brazil
- Lighting – Moderate to High
- Tank Level – Mid to Back, floating
- Care Level – Easy
- CO2 Requirements – Low
- Growth Rate – Fast
- PH Range – 5.0 – 8.0
- Temperature – Tropical 18 – 27°c
- Size – Grows to approximately 15 – 30cm tall
- Propagation – Stem cuttings
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag containing your new plants in your aquarium, allowing it to float for 15–20 minutes. This helps the plants gradually adjust to the tank's temperature, reducing the risk of shock.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. Dimming the environment minimizes stress and helps the plants acclimate more comfortably to their new surroundings.
- Rinse and Inspect: After temperature acclimation, remove the plants from the bag. Rinse them gently under room-temperature tap water to eliminate any residual shipping water, potential pests, or unwanted hitchhikers. Carefully inspect for any damaged or decaying leaves and trim them off to promote healthy growth.
- Optional: Quarantine: To prevent introducing pests or algae into your main tank, consider quarantining the plants in a separate container for a few days.
- Planting: Gently plant the rinsed and trimmed plants into your aquarium substrate. For rooted plants, bury the roots just enough to anchor them, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) remains above the substrate. For floating plants, keep them floating on the surface — their leaves and roots will adjust to your tank’s conditions naturally. For rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern, attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.
- Monitor and Maintain: It's normal for new plants to exhibit some melting or leaf loss as they adjust. Maintain stable water parameters and provide appropriate lighting to support their acclimation. Avoid major water changes or adding new livestock for the first 24 hours to give the plants time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish and plants.