Pennywort Aquarium Plant: Complete Care Guide for Aquascaping

Aquarium plants play a crucial role in creating a balanced ecosystem while enhancing the visual appeal of fish tanks. Among the wide range of aquatic plants available to aquarists, the Pennywort aquarium plant stands out for its unique appearance, versatility, and low-maintenance nature. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquascaper, Pennywort can be an excellent addition to your tank setup.

This long-form guide will explore everything you need to know about the Pennywort aquarium plant, including its origin, growth patterns, care requirements, aquascaping uses, propagation methods, and potential challenges.

What is the Pennywort Aquarium Plant?

The Pennywort aquarium plant belongs to the genus Hydrocotyle, which includes several species commonly used in aquariums and aquascaping. It gets its name from its round, penny-like leaves that float gracefully on the water’s surface or extend across the substrate.

Some of the most common types of Pennywort used in aquariums include:

• Hydrocotyle leucocephala (Brazilian Pennywort): Popular in freshwater aquariums for its adaptability and fast growth.
• Hydrocotyle verticillata: Known for its umbrella-shaped leaves, often used in aquascapes for unique textures.
• Hydrocotyle tripartita (Japan): Features clover-like leaves and grows compactly, ideal for carpeting effects.

Pennywort plants can be grown submerged, emersed, or floating, making them one of the most versatile plants in the aquascaping hobby.

Why Choose Pennywort for Your Aquarium?

Adding Pennywort to your aquarium offers several benefits beyond aesthetics:

1. Natural Beauty: The round, vibrant green leaves add contrast and texture to aquascapes.
2. Easy Maintenance: Pennywort is undemanding and suitable for beginners.
3. Water Purification: It absorbs nitrates and other toxins, improving water quality.
4. Shade for Fish: Floating Pennywort provides cover for shy species and reduces stress.
5. Oxygenation: Like most aquatic plants, Pennywort contributes to oxygen production.
6. Compatibility: It thrives in community tanks and coexists well with most freshwater fish and invertebrates.

Ideal Tank Conditions for Pennywort

To keep your Pennywort healthy and thriving, it’s essential to provide suitable tank conditions:

1. Tank Size

• Pennywort can adapt to small nano tanks as well as large aquariums.
• Recommended: 10 gallons or larger, especially if you want floating growth.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 – 7.8
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

3. Lighting

• Moderate to high lighting is preferred.
• Under low light, growth slows, and leaves may become sparse.
• Stronger lighting encourages bushier growth.

4. Substrate

• Not substrate-dependent; can be planted in soil, sand, or gravel.
• Grows equally well floating or rooted in nutrient-rich substrate.

5. CO₂ and Fertilization

• CO₂ injection enhances growth but is not necessary.
• Liquid fertilizers or root tabs help promote lush foliage.

Planting Pennywort in the Aquarium

Pennywort’s versatility allows aquarists to use it in different ways:

1. Floating

• Simply let the plant float on the water surface.
• Creates shade and natural cover for fish like bettas and gouramis.
• Absorbs nutrients directly from the water column.

2. Rooted in Substrate

• Push the stems gently into the substrate or gravel.
• Great for background or midground aquascaping.

3. Emersed Growth

• In paludariums or aquariums with open tops, Pennywort can grow above the waterline.
• Produces small white flowers when grown emersed.

Growth and Maintenance

Pennywort is a fast-growing plant that requires occasional trimming and attention:

• Trimming: Regularly prune to prevent overgrowth and maintain shape.
• Replanting Cuttings: Trimmed stems can be replanted to propagate new plants.
• Floating Control: If floating, thin out excess growth to ensure proper light penetration.
• Algae Prevention: Keep lighting balanced to avoid algae on leaves.

Aquascaping with Pennywort

Pennywort adds a unique visual element to aquascapes. Here are some creative uses:

1. Background Planting: When rooted, its tall stems create a lush green backdrop.
2. Midground Accent: Compact varieties like Hydrocotyle tripartita can be used in the midground.
3. Floating Planting: Provides a jungle-like effect with leaves spread across the surface.
4. Carpeting Effect: Smaller-leaf varieties can be grown low and spread across the substrate.

Propagation of Pennywort

Propagation is straightforward:

• Stem Cuttings: Trim a healthy stem and plant it into the substrate or let it float.
• Floating Nodes: New roots and leaves emerge from floating nodes naturally.

Since Pennywort grows quickly, you can propagate it continuously without special care.

Tank Mates for Pennywort

Pennywort is compatible with most community fish and invertebrates. Suitable tank mates include:

• Small schooling fish: Tetras, rasboras, guppies.
• Peaceful centerpiece fish: Betta fish, dwarf gouramis, angelfish.
• Shrimp and snails: Amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, nerite snails.

Tank Mates to Avoid

• Herbivorous or plant-nipping fish such as goldfish and silver dollars may eat Pennywort leaves.

Common Problems and Solutions

Like any aquarium plant, Pennywort can face some challenges:

1. Yellowing Leaves

• Cause: Nutrient deficiency or poor lighting.
• Solution: Add fertilizers and ensure proper lighting.

2. Leggy Growth

• Cause: Insufficient lighting or lack of trimming.
• Solution: Provide medium to high light and prune regularly.

3. Algae Growth

• Cause: Excessive lighting or nutrient imbalance.
• Solution: Maintain proper balance, reduce lighting hours, and introduce algae eaters.

4. Melting After Introduction

• Cause: Transition from emersed to submerged growth.
• Solution: Be patient; new submerged leaves will grow back.

Benefits of Pennywort in Aquariums

• Improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
• Enhances aesthetic appeal with its round, lush leaves.
• Provides shelter and breeding grounds for fish and shrimp.
• Helps in reducing algae growth by competing for nutrients.
• Adaptable in various aquascaping styles (nature aquariums, jungle tanks, paludariums).

Conclusion

The Pennywort aquarium plant is a beautiful, adaptable, and easy-to-grow addition to freshwater aquariums. Its round leaves, rapid growth, and versatility make it a favorite among aquascapers and beginners alike. Whether you use it as a floating cover, rooted background plant, or midground accent, Pennywort brings life and balance to any aquatic setup.

With proper lighting, trimming, and care, this plant will thrive and become a stunning highlight of your aquarium.

FAQs about Pennywort Aquarium Plant

Q1. Is Pennywort easy to grow in aquariums?
Yes, Pennywort is a hardy and beginner-friendly plant that grows well with minimal care.

Q2. Can Pennywort grow without CO₂ injection?
Yes, it grows fine without CO₂, but adding CO₂ will enhance growth and color.

Q3. How fast does Pennywort grow?
It is a fast-growing plant and may require weekly trimming in well-lit tanks.

Q4. Can Pennywort grow floating in an aquarium?
Absolutely, Pennywort can be left to float, providing shade and cover for fish.

Q5. Why are my Pennywort leaves turning yellow?
This usually indicates a lack of nutrients or poor lighting conditions.

Q6. Which fish eat Pennywort?
Goldfish, silver dollars, and some cichlids may nibble on Pennywort leaves.

Q7. Can Pennywort be used in outdoor ponds?
Yes, it grows well in ponds and provides shade and cover for pond fish.

Q8. Does Pennywort need substrate to grow?
No, it can grow floating or rooted in any substrate type.

Q9. How do you propagate Pennywort?
Propagation is done by trimming stems and replanting or letting them float.

Q10. Is Pennywort safe for shrimp tanks?
Yes, Pennywort is safe and provides hiding spots for shrimp and fry.