Can I grow Brazilian Pennywort floating?

Yes, it thrives as a floating plant. Its leaves will orient themselves toward the light, and its trailing roots will provide excellent cover for fish fry and shrimp.

Why are the leaves on my Brazilian Pennywort turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves typically indicate a nutrient deficiency, most commonly lack of iron, potassium, or nitrogen. Dosing a quality liquid aquatic plant fertiliser usually resolves the issue.

Does this plant need CO2 injection?

No, Brazilian Pennywort is very undemanding and will grow well without supplemental CO2, though adding it will certainly speed up its already fast growth rate.

How do I trim and replant it?

Simply cut the stem using aquascaping scissors just below a node (the joint where leaves and roots emerge). You can then push the cut stem into the substrate or leave it to float.

Why are the bottom leaves falling off?

This is usually caused by inadequate light reaching the lower parts of the plant. As the top canopy grows dense, it shades the bottom. Regular trimming helps prevent this.

FreshwaterPlantsBeginner

Brazilian Pennywort

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

A versatile and exceptionally fast-growing stem plant, Brazilian Pennywort thrives planted or floating, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 18 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 60 cm
20L minimum, suitable for nano tanks if pruned regularly: 20 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and aquatic plant fertilisers
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Can be rooted in substrate, tied to hardscape, or left to float at the surface.

About the Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is widely celebrated for its distinctive, kidney-shaped leaves and bright green colouration. It is a highly adaptable species that provides a vibrant trailing effect in the background of an aquarium or excellent surface cover when left to float. Its rapid growth rate not only helps outcompete nuisance algae but also aids in absorbing excess nutrients from the water column. Whether you are aiming for a structured aquascape or a natural jungle environment, this plant is remarkably forgiving and visually rewarding.

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Where Brazilian Pennywort comes from

Native range

South America

Countries / regions

Brazil, Argentina, Colombia

Habitat

Marshlands, river margins, and wetlands where it grows both submersed and emersed in shallow, slow-moving waters.

Widespread across tropical and subtropical regions of South America.

Similar species

Whorled Pennywort
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Tripartita Pennywort
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Shrimp love to graze on the biofilm and algae that accumulate on the plant's intricate root nodes.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful fish benefit immensely from the shaded areas created when Brazilian Pennywort is left to float.
Great
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish are notorious for uprooting and eating soft-leaved aquatic plants, though fast growth may outpace their grazing.
Compatible with caution
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
These highly herbivorous fish will view the soft, tender leaves of the pennywort as a salad bar and consume it entirely.
Not recommended
Buenos Aires Tetra
Psalidodon anisitsi
Known to heavily predate on live plants, this tetra species will quickly strip the leaves from the stems.
Not recommended

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