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Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.
easymedium lightNo CO2fast growthstem
Brazilian Pennywort
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Brazilian Pennywort is a versatile, fast-growing stem plant with round, lily-pad-like leaves. It can be planted in substrate or left floating at the surface. Provides good cover for surface-oriented fish and shrimp.
Evidence: verifiedConfidence: medium
Care at a glance
Water parameters
Beginner guidance
Can be grown planted or floating, floating growth is fastest. Trim frequently. Leaves are distinctive and add visual interest to mid or background zones. Low maintenance and adapts to a wide range of conditions.
Sources
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala. Wikipedia — Brazilian pennywort; round leaves, can be grown floating or rooted.
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala. Flowgrow — Aquarium care parameters: undemanding, tolerates low CO₂.
Fish whose water overlaps
Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.
Similar plants
- Java Mosseasy · low light · no CO2
- Anubiaseasy · low light · no CO2
- Java Ferneasy · low light · no CO2
- Amazon Swordeasy · medium light · no CO2
- Hornworteasy · low light · no CO2
- Water Wisteriaeasy · medium light · no CO2
Plan the tank around this plant
Set a 20L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Brazilian Pennywort.
Tank hubs: 30L
Related plant guides
Easy beginner aquarium plantsPlants that grow without CO2Fast-growing aquarium plants
Common questions about Brazilian Pennywort
- Does Brazilian Pennywort need CO2?
- No. Brazilian Pennywort grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
- What light does Brazilian Pennywort need?
- Brazilian Pennywort is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.
- Is Brazilian Pennywort beginner-friendly?
- Brazilian Pennywort is rated easy for difficulty. Can be grown planted or floating, floating growth is fastest. Trim frequently. Leaves are distinctive and add visual interest to mid or background zones. Low maintenance and adapts to a wide range of conditions.
- Is Brazilian Pennywort safe for shrimp?
- Yes. Brazilian Pennywort is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.