Brazilian pennywort, Hydrocotyle leucocephala - 1 bunch

• Genus: Hydrocotyle
• Family: Araliaceae
• Country of origin: America

• Height: 10-30 cm

• Temperature: 15-28 ºC

• Recommended location: foreground, middle ground

• Growth: fast

• Propagation: head cuttings

Brazilian pennywort(lat.: Hydrocotyle leucocephala) originated in Brazil and belongs to the umbelliferae family. It is a simple, hardy  and fast-growing plant, forming long tendrils with rounded, light green leaves that are slightly constricted at the edges.

Brazilian pennywort is easy to keep, making it suitable for beginners.
It can handle almost any light conditions and is not very demanding.

With good light conditions and good nutrient supply, there is a strong reproduction (10 to 20 cm per week). The growth height is up to 30 cm.
Brazilian pennywort is propagated by side shoots and head cuttings.

Brazilian pennywort is considered a classic in biological algae control.
It grows to the water surface and forms a darkening of aquarium areas, which is gladly used as a hiding place and as a shelter for aquarium animals.
If the darkening becomes too strong, it is advisable to trim the plant. For this purpose, individual excess branches can simply be cut off with scissors.
Brazilian pennywort is particularly good at breaking down nitrates and other pollutants.

In the aquarium, Brazilian pennywort is often planted as a stem plant in the bottom, from where it quickly grows towards the water surface. If it has contact with the air, it spreads more quickly and can thus quickly form a dense, floating carpet.

With additional CO2 fertilization (Bio-Filterstation Co.C.200 S )accelerated and lush growth can be achieved. If the leaves turn yellow at the edges, this indicates a lack of iron. However, this can be easily remedied by adding iron fertilizer (Perfect Plant, E15 FerActiv 40 tbl.).
With its light green leaves it is a beautiful contrasting plant. The roots floating in the water are very decorative. They provide very good shelter and a perfect climbing playground for juvenile fish, but also shrimp.
The small algae and microorganisms that collect on the leaves of the Brazilian Pennywort are a perfect food source for shrimp.

It should also be interesting to note that Brazilian pennywort is edible. Its taste is slightly peppery. In some countries it is even used as a spice or for making lemonade.

Our recommendation: For a splendid plant growth we recommend the premium nutrient medium when setting up a new plant NatureHolic GroundBooster