Hydrocotyle Tripartita
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Also known as Hydrocotyle, Japanese Pennywort, Pennywort Tripartita, Star Pennywort
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Apiales›Araliaceae
📍 Southeast Asia
Hydrocotyle tripartita is a fast-growing stem plant with unique three-lobed leaves that create a lush, dense carpet or mid-ground cluster. With CO2 and high light it forms tight mounds. Without CO2 it grows taller and more open. Very popular in aquascaping.
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by @mateocoello
by @plantedscapes
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 6 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Hydrocotyle Tripartita.
Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that will not uproot or damage delicate plant tissue
Small, non-destructive invertebrates that benefit from plant cover and won't harm the plant
Small, gentle fish that appreciate dense plant cover for security without damaging stems
Tiny, peaceful community fish that thrive in planted tanks with similar water parameters
Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements and growth rates
Algae-eating fish that won't uproot plants and prefer heavily planted environments
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of vibrant coloration despite adequate light
Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one or targeted macro/micronutrient supplements; test water parameters and adjust based on results
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Brown Spot Algae)
Green or brown spots on leaves, reduced photosynthesis, plant decline in high-light setups
Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients to outcompete algae
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; stems weaken and break apart
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure stable temperature (20-28°C), increase CO2 and light gradually, remove affected portions and replant healthy stems
Root Rot (Substrate-Related)
Blackened or mushy roots, poor growth despite adequate nutrients, foul odor from substrate
Improve substrate aeration, increase water circulation, perform partial substrate replacement, ensure adequate fertilization to promote new root growth
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended for compact growth
- diet
- Water column and substrate feeding
- light
- Medium to high
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.