Hydrocotyle leucocephala – Brazilian Pennywort Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is a versatile and fast-growing aquatic plant native to South America. Its distinctive, rounded, coin-shaped leaves create a lush green appearance, making it an excellent choice for adding natural colour, texture and movement to a planted aquarium. Easy to grow and...
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is a versatile and fast-growing aquatic plant native to South America. Its distinctive, rounded, coin-shaped leaves create a lush green appearance, making it an excellent choice for adding natural colour, texture and movement to a planted aquarium.
Easy to grow and adaptable to a wide range of aquarium conditions, Brazilian Pennywort is ideal for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. Its trailing stems can be planted in the substrate to create dense bushes throughout the foreground, midground or background, or allowed to grow along the water’s surface for a more natural, flowing look.
With its undemanding nature and vigorous growth, this plant quickly fills out an aquarium and provides shelter for small fish and shrimp. Regular trimming will help keep growth under control and encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. Under stronger lighting and with supplemental CO₂, Brazilian Pennywort can be maintained as a more compact, low-growing plant, making it possible to create an attractive carpeting effect.
Whether you're looking to add a vibrant splash of green, create a natural aquascape or introduce an easy-care plant to your aquarium, Brazilian Pennywort is a rewarding and adaptable choice.
Plant Information
Difficulty: Easy
Plant type: Stem plant
Origin: South America
Growth rate: Medium to fast
Height: 15–25 cm
Lighting: Low to moderate; stronger light encourages compact growth
CO₂: Optional, but beneficial for faster, denser growth
