Hydrocotyle verticillata
Whorled Pennywort – Unique Lily-Pad Style Foreground Plant
Hydrocotyle verticillata, often called Whorled Pennywort, is a distinctive aquatic plant known for its umbrella- or lily-pad-shaped leaves held atop slender vertical stems. This unusual growth form creates a playful, miniature “pond lily” effect in aquariums, making it a standout choice for foreground or open midground layouts. When given sufficient light and nutrients, it forms creeping runners that slowly spread across the substrate.
🌱 Key Features
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Unique umbrella-shaped leaves on thin stalks
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Creates a miniature lily-pad appearance underwater
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Creeping growth via runners when established
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Excellent visual contrast to carpeting plants
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Ideal for open, negative-space aquascapes
⚙️ Optimal Aquarium Parameters
Difficulty: Medium
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Placement: Foreground to Midground
🌡️ Water Parameters
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Temperature: 20–28 °C (68–82 °F)
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pH: 5.5–7.5
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GH: 2–8 dGH
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KH: 0–4 dKH
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TDS: ~80–180 ppm
💡 Lighting
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Requirement: Medium to High
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Strong lighting promotes compact growth and horizontal spreading
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Low light causes taller stems and sparse spacing
💨 CO₂
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Recommended
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CO₂ greatly improves growth speed, leaf size, and runner formation
🌿 Nutrients
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Feeds from both substrate and water column
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Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs strongly recommended
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Consistent micronutrients (especially iron) improve leaf color and vigor
✂️ Care & Maintenance
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Trim taller stems to encourage horizontal spreading
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Avoid shading from faster-growing plants
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Slow initial growth—patience is key during establishment