Care Guide
Brazilian pennywort
Hydrocotyle Leucocephala
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Low - medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Growth Form
Spreading
Placement
Can be used in many places if kept trimmed. Also works well floating
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Potted, Bunch plant
About This Plant
Hydrocotyle leucocephala is a popular aquarium name that is often sold under the common name of Brazilian Pennywort. Hydrocotyle leucocephala makes an excellent background plant and provides a unique texture with many large round green leaves. Brazilian Pennywort can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, and does very well even without supplemental CO2, making it a good choice for all levels of aquarium keepers. It is particulary good in fry tanks, where the fine roots give excellent cover for baby fish.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Brazilian pennywort
- Scientific name
- Hydrocotyle Leucocephala
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to
- South America
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding
- Lighting
- Low - medium
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Growth form
- Spreading
- Placement
- Can be used in many places if kept trimmed. Also works well floating
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Potted, Bunch plant
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
Tank Size & Setup
Works in tanks 10 gallons and up. Match the plant size to your tank depth for the cleanest aquascape.
Aquascaping & Placement
Position to suit your aquascape — most placements work as long as light reaches the leaves.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Common Care Issues
Pale or stretched leaves
If new growth comes in pale yellow or the stems stretch unusually long, the plant is reaching for more light. Either raise the fixture's intensity or add a richer fertilizer.
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Brazilian pennywort need?
Brazilian pennywort (Hydrocotyle Leucocephala) prefers low - medium lighting. Standard tank lighting is sufficient — no specialty fixture is required.
Does Brazilian pennywort need CO2?
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
Is Brazilian pennywort good for beginners?
Brazilian pennywort is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Brazilian pennywort grow?
Growth rate is fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Brazilian pennywort?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Brazilian pennywort — $19.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100