Hydrocotyle tripartita
Hydrocotyle tripartita:
This is a fantastic, easy, and extremely versatile plant that can be used as a carpet, forground, midground or even background display. It has very few specific requirements and grows well in low-tech tanks. It also really shines with good lighting and CO2 injection.
This plant is an amazing addition to any aquarium and its beautiful fan shaped leaves make for little platforms that fish and shrimp perch on to rest, relax and contemplate their underwater existence. A great addition to aquariums with bottom dwelling fish, catfish like Corydoras or Ottos, shrimp and slow moving labyrinth fish like Gouramis and Bettas.
It's also a fantastic plant for a simple Betta aquarium, creating a natural environment that will make your friend feel so much more comfortable!
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Pennywort-type plant with stems spreading outward
Size: 5 - 10cm in height
Position and Usage: Flexible - can be used anywhere depending on pruning from carpetlike to background bushes in smaller tanks. Most often used as a midground plant that can spread stems and leaves around the tank. Works great as a epiphyte tied hardscape (driftwood and rocks)
Growth rate: High
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5
Water Conditions: 18 - 24°C, pH of 6.0 to 7.0
CO2: Not required
Propagation: Runners
Terrarium use: Can be grown emersed like almost all aquatic plants and works well in a moist terrarium, vivarium or plaudarium.
Description
Hydrocotyle tripartita is a low-growing, carpeting variety that will thrive in the well-lit foreground of a tank and potentially spread itself around. Native to South East Asia and commonly referred to as Hydrocotyle ‘Japan’ (Japanese Pennywort), it is easily-grown and easily-propagated and particularly well-suited to beginner hobbyists and low tech tanks without CO2 or high lighting.
With adequate lighting, H. tripartita will grow in lush, compact clusters. The clusters may multiply quickly, sending out runners from vertical stems. These stems sport small, almost clover-shaped leaves that are a vibrant, fresh green color.
In low-lighting, this plant may grow in a vertical, vine-like manner. Although CO2 supplementation will promote growth, it is not necessary to plant viability. Runner growth may result in creeping or overhanging shoots, and hobbyists may want to consider regular trimming to prevent both unruly expansion and lower-leaf die off.
This plant, like all Pennywort type plants (Hydrocotyle spp.) produces leaves that many fish and shrimp like to perch on to rest or during the evening. It an absolutely amazing addition to your aquatic ecosystem and makes your fish and shrimp feel so much more comfortable,
This plant is a fantastic option for Betta and shrimp keepers as well as people with bottom dwelling fish, slower moving fish and catfish like Corydoras and Ottos.
