Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Lawn Pennywort; Dwarf Pennywort

Synonyms

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium; sold in trade as "Hydrocotyle maritima" (misapplied)

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Asia, Tropical Africa

Habitat

Damp margins of ditches, streams, wet meadows, rice paddies, and riverbanks; grows both submerged and emersed in warm tropical and subtropical climates

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Carpeting

Max height

4 in (10 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Foreground, Midground, Carpet

Water

Temperature

68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

GH

4 – 15 dGH

dKH

2 – 10 dKH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Required

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Runners, Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Small rounded leaves rarely exceed a few inches in height, forming a low mat that spreads by surface runners across the substrate. Under high light and steady CO2 it stays dense and carpet-like; without both it stretches upward and thins out. Regular trimming keeps the mat compact and prevents basal rot in shaded lower growth.

Care

This creeping pennywort needs strong light and consistent CO2 injection to stay low and dense; without both it stretches upward on long petioles and loses the carpet effect. It tolerates a wide temperature range but performs best in the high 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit with soft to moderately hard water. Regular trimming every two to four weeks keeps the mat from shading out its own lower leaves and rotting at the base.

Planting & trimming

Plant small groups of individual stems spaced a couple of inches apart directly into the substrate, anchoring with pebbles or tweezers if needed, and allow the runners to spread and knit together over time. It can also be draped over hardscape such as wood and rocks to fill gaps between features. Trim with sharp scissors regularly to maintain a compact mat and prevent leggy vertical growth.

Fertilizing

Feeds through both roots and leaves, so a nutrient-rich substrate paired with regular liquid fertilization works well. Keep phosphate levels on the higher side, as this helps prevent green spot algae from colonizing the small round leaves. Nitrogen and potassium deficiencies show up as yellowing foliage and small pinholes, so consistent dosing of a complete micronutrient fertilizer including iron is recommended.

Propagation

Propagates readily from the lateral runners (stolons) it produces along the substrate; simply cut a runner section with a few nodes and replant it elsewhere. Emersed cultivation above the waterline, such as in a paludarium or during warm outdoor months, speeds growth considerably and yields more cuttings faster than fully submerged culture.

Problems

Melting and stem rot occur quickly in low light or CO2-deficient setups, since the plant simply cannot sustain itself under weak conditions. Dense uncut patches often rot at the base once lower leaves are shaded out, so thinning is necessary to prevent decay. Green spot algae can appear on the leaves when phosphate runs low, and pale or pinholed new growth usually signals a nitrogen or potassium shortfall.

Sources

1. Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
2. Lawn marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides) | Aquatic-Art
3. Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides (Lawn Pennywort): Care Guide - Fish Laboratory
4. Lawn marshpennywort Aquatic Plant Care | Atlarium