Hydrocotyle leucocephala, also known as Brazilian Pennywort, is one of the easiest plants you can grow. It has bright green, round, coin-shaped leaves on long trailing stems, and it grows quickly in almost any tank, with or without CO2.
It's very flexible about where it goes. Plant it in the midground or background and it will climb towards the light, then spread across the surface once it gets there. You can also leave it floating, where it gives shade and cover for fish and fry, or tie it loosely to wood so the stems trail down. Trim it back regularly to keep it in check. The cuttings can be replanted or left to float.
To plant, take it out of the pot, gently remove the rock wool from around the roots, and split it into two or three smaller portions to spread around your tank.
At a glance
- Placement: midground, background or floating
- Light: low to high
- Growth rate: fast
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for beginners
- CO2: not needed
- Format: potted plant