Brazilian pennywort

Description

Hydrocotyle leucocephala, or Brazilian pennywort, is native to Central and South America's wet and boggy areas. It is easy to cultivate, making it a popular aquarium plant. The leaves are roundish and grow on a tendril-like stem. This species is suitable for beginners and can thrive in most water parameters with minimal lighting and CO2 requirements. High temperatures are not an issue, making it suitable for Discus tanks. Yellow leaf edges indicate iron deficiency, which can be addressed by adding iron fertilizer. The plant grows well under optimal conditions, including sufficient light, CO2 injection, and nutrients. It can also be grown emersed, producing numerous shoots suitable for cuttings. Hydrocotyle leucocephala is edible, with a peppery taste used as spice or lemonade ingredient in some countries. Propagation is easy, involving cutting off lateral shoots to replant in the substrate. This versatile plant can be used to accentuate driftwood, middleground plants, or as a vertically growing stem plant, floating on the surface, or as a companion plant with Anubias species.