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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Hydrocotyle Japan

Hydrocotyle sp. 'Japan'

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaAraliaceae

📍 Japan

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A compact variant of pennywort that produces small, neatly round, bright green leaves on short stems. Unlike the faster-growing H. tripartita, it has a more controlled growth habit and can be used as a delicate foreground or mid-ground filler. It adapts readily to CO2 and non-CO2 tanks alike.

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of vibrant green coloration

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one or macro/micro fertilizer blends; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis

Algae Overgrowth (Green/Brown Algae)

Symptoms

Visible algae coating on leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, manually remove affected leaves

Melting (Tissue Decay)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; typically occurs after major parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 18-26°C), perform gradual acclimation, increase water circulation and reduce organic waste

Root Rot (in Substrate)

Symptoms

Stems become soft and blackened at base, poor growth despite adequate light and fertilization

Treatment

Improve substrate drainage, increase water circulation, remove affected portions, ensure root tabs are not compacted or anaerobic

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Quick Facts

co2
Optional
light
Low–High
placement
Foreground–Midground
tank size
5 gallons minimum
growth rate
Moderate

Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.5
hardness
2–15 dGH
temperature
64–79°F (18–26°C)

Stats

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Growing in0 tanks