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francais anglais

Freshwater   Plants

Brazilian pennywort
(Hydrocotyle leucocephala)

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Hydrocotyle leucopetala
Hydrocotyle aquatica

Common name
Brazilian pennywort

Origin

what are his countries of origin?

Origin: Ecuador, Venezuela/p>

Ideal fertilization

how to fertilize this plant?

CO2: 10-40 mg/l
Nitrates (NO3): 10-50 mg/l
Phosphates (PO4): 0.1-3 mg/l
Potassium (K): 5-30 mg/l
Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5 mg/l

Group

which group is this plant?

Araliaceae

Kind

what is the type of plant?

Bulb

Parameters

What are the Water parameters for the maintenance of this plant?

T°: 20 to 25°C or 68 to 77°F
pH: 6 to 7.2
Hardness: 4 to 20°dGH

Difficulty

difficulty

Easy

Lighting

what brightness is needed?

Strong

Size

what is the maximum size of the plant?

40 to 50cm (16 to 20")

Plantation

in which area of the aquarium install this plant?

Middle

Growth

how fast does this plant grow?

Moyen

Presentation

Who is the Brazilian pennywort?

Presentation

Who is the Brazilian pennywort?

In nature, this plant is found in the swamps and dead arms of the rivers of Venezuela and Ecuador. Its original aspect and its beautiful green colour will seduce many lovers of aquatic plants. Its stems are twisted and its leaves are crenellated and rounded, reminiscent of those of elegant water lilies.

It adapts quite well to aquarium life and does not present any particular difficulties.

Planting and maintenance

How to plant and maintain the Brazilian pennywort?

Planting and maintenance

How to plant and maintain the Brazilian pennywort?

For a nice effect, plant this species in the background, in groups of 3/4 feet every 15 cm (6"). However, you can also use it as a floating plant, which brings it closer to the light source: this will be much appreciated (it seems to like it more in this form)! Moreover, note that the plant tends to float well and therefore to be easily uprooted (there are finally few underground roots). This is especially true when the plant grows tall enough and bears many leaves. If you want to get it out of the ground, bury it well to fix it properly.

Although water-potyl can acclimatize to a wide range of conditions, it will be more comfortable in fresh water.

Bright lighting will also be appreciated by this species.

If it reaches the surface, it will tend to spread out in width, forming numerous lateral shoots. Do not hesitate to lighten it regularly so that the light always reaches the foot.

Farming

How to farm the Brazilian pennywort?

Farming

How to farm the Brazilian pennywort?

Water-potyl is easy to grow. Cut cuttings of at least 20 cm (8") from the stems and bury them a little further (bury them deep enough to fix them as the plant tends to float).

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

It is an excellent plant to offer to your fry and young fish, which will find a dense and shady shelter.

In some parts of the world (tropical countries), this plant is used in cooking as a spice!

As a worthy representative of its species Hydrocotyle, this plant has many varieties? Let us quote among others:
Hydrocotyle leucocephala var. Intermedia
Hydrocotyle leucocephala var. Minuta
Hydrocotyle leucocephala var. Obtusiloba
Hydrocotyle leucocephala var. Truncatiloba
Hydrocotyle leucocephala var. Villosa
Hydrocotyle leucocephala forma Peltata

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