Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita
Common Name: Hydrocotyle 'Japan', Japanese Pennywort
Origin: Australia and Southeast Asia
Growth Rate: Fast
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperature: 20–28°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 1–12 dGH
KH: 0–8 dKH
Moderate to high lighting is recommended.
Strong lighting promotes compact, creeping growth and vibrant green coloration.
Under low light, the plant tends to grow taller and less densely.
CO₂ supplementation is recommended for optimal growth.
Encourages rapid spreading, smaller leaves, and a more compact growth habit.
Can grow without CO₂, but growth may be less dense and more upright.
Requires a consistent supply of macro and micronutrients.
Benefits from regular dosing of nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements.
Responds well to nutrient-rich conditions and balanced fertilization.
Stable nutrient levels support vigorous and healthy growth.
Best suited for the foreground to midground.
Can be used as a carpeting plant or allowed to spread over hardscape.
Excellent for softening the appearance of rocks and driftwood.
Propagated through runners and stem cuttings.
Simply trim and replant healthy sections to establish new growth.
Spreads quickly under favorable conditions.
Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a compact appearance.
Prevent excessive shading by controlling rapid growth.
Plant in small groups to encourage dense coverage.
Good water circulation helps maintain healthy foliage and reduce algae growth.
Hydrocotyle tripartita is a highly versatile aquatic plant prized for its small, clover-like leaves and vigorous creeping growth habit. It can form dense carpets, cascade over hardscape, or create lush midground accents, making it one of the most adaptable plants in aquascaping. Its bright green color and unique leaf shape add texture, contrast, and a sense of natural movement to Nature, Iwagumi, and contemporary aquascapes. When provided with adequate light, nutrients, and CO₂, it develops into a vibrant and eye-catching feature within the aquarium.
