Attitude:
undemanding
Breed:
cuttings
Size:
up to 60 cm
Temperature:
20 – 28°C
pH:
6 – 7.5
GH:
2 – 20
CH:
2 – 15
Look
anonymous, Hydrocotyle Vulgaris, CC BY-SA 3.0
The leaves of the Brazilian pennywort have a round to kidney-shaped leaf shape. The stalk attaches to the deeply incised base of the leaf – the so-called navel, from which the plant got its name.
The stem grows tendril-like, i.e. not steeply upwards, but also around decorations or other plants. When the Brazilian pennywort reaches the surface, it continues to grow and form umbels of small, white flowers.
Due to its light green color and similar care requirements, the Brazilian pennywort is particularly suitable for planting together with Anubias.
distribution
The Brazilian Pennywort can be found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, but makes little demands on its habitat there. It grows in fast-flowing, clear rivers as well as in dim creeks deep in the rainforest.
In some places, even the swampy or damp soil of the jungle is enough for it to thrive. This high adaptability has also made it so attractive for aquaristics.
husbandry conditions
The Brazilian pennywort is considered the ideal plant for beginners, as it has hardly any demands on the water parameters. Even if the values leave its optimal range, the Brazilian pennywort can survive, although its growth is then significantly stunted. The water hardness seems completely irrelevant, but excessive temperature fluctuations should be avoided.
The higher the light intensity, the smaller the distances between the individual leaves. If the Brazilian pennywort gets too little light, the lower leaves quickly rot away. Iron deficiency makes the Brazilian pennywort clear with yellowish leaves.
The plant is very fast-growing and increases in length by up to 20cm in a week. Regular pruning is therefore essential. As with most stem plants, propagation takes place with top cuttings.
Set as a group, the Brazilian pennywort is an eye-catcher for the middle ground. It comes into its own at its best when combined with plant species that differ significantly in shape and color, as is the case with various species of the genera Anubias or Cryptocoryne.
The Brazilian pennywort can also develop an emersed form, which makes it interesting for paludarium keepers. Above the water surface it grows as a particularly strong sprout.