Pennywort (Hydrocotyle)

Hydrocotyle leucocephala, commonly known as Brazilian Pennywort, is one of the most versatile and visually striking stem plants in the aquascaping hobby. With its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves and vigorous, adaptable growth, Pennywort brings a lush, layered quality to any planted aquarium. Whether trained as a mid-ground accent, allowed to float freely across the surface, or guided up the background, it adapts effortlessly to the aquarist's vision — making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. Portion Size: 1 stem bunch. Key Features Distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves with a bright, vibrant green colouration Extremely adaptable — can be grown as a stem, floater, or surface plant Fast-growing and forgiving — ideal for beginners and high-demand tanks Excellent natural nitrate and nutrient export, supporting water quality Creates lush, layered mid-ground and background structure Safe for shrimp, fish, and all aquarium inhabitants Care Requirements Light: Low to High CO₂: Not Required (benefits from supplementation) Temperature: 20–28°C pH: 6.0–7.5 Growth Rate: Fast Difficulty: Easy Aquascaping Applications Pennywort is a remarkably flexible aquascaping plant suited to a wide range of layout styles. Planted as a stem in the mid-ground or background, it creates a lush, cascading wall of round leaves that softens hardscape and adds organic movement to the composition. Allowed to float, it provides natural surface cover that diffuses light beautifully and offers refuge for fry and surface-dwelling species. Its rapid growth also makes it an excellent companion plant for new setups, helping to outcompete algae during the critical cycling phase while the aquascape establishes. Pro Tip: To encourage compact, bushy growth, trim the tops regularly and replant the cuttings — Pennywort propagates effortlessly and will quickly fill in gaps throughout the layout. For a dramatic floating canopy effect, simply allow trimmed stems to drift freely at the surface and watch them develop into a dense, coin-leaf ceiling above your aquascape. Note: As a living plant, Pennywort requires separate handling and shipping considerations. Please review our shipping policy for plant-specific delivery information.