Hydrocotyle vulgaris

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is best suited for the midground or background depending on the tank size. Unlike H. verticillata, it tends to grow more erratically and less uniformly upright. It looks very natural when planted along the edges of hardscape or trailing over wood.

Botanical form

runner

It has round, shallowly scalloped leaves attached to the stem near the center but slightly offset, unlike the perfectly centered H. verticillata. The leaves are light green and slightly more crinkled. The stems grow from a creeping rhizome-like runner.

Growth

Fast

Its growth rate is relatively slow to moderate when fully submerged. It grows much faster in a terrarium or paludarium setting where its leaves are above the water. In the aquarium, it requires patience to form a dense stand.

Substrate

Low

Hydrocotyle vulgaris is a marsh plant that easily adapts to a variety of substrates, including basic sand, gravel, or standard potting soil in terrarium setups. In aquatic environments, its roots lightly anchor into the top layer of the substrate, supporting its horizontal creeping habit. A shallow depth of 3 cm is generally adequate, as the roots do not penetrate deeply but instead spread widely just beneath the surface. Providing a moderately fertile substrate ensures healthier leaves, though it is quite resilient in nutrient-poor conditions.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Liquid column fertilization is necessary to keep it healthy underwater. It relies on the water column for trace elements and potassium to maintain sturdy stems. Regular dosing prevents the older leaves from decaying prematurely.

Root fertilization

Optional

Root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate are very beneficial. It develops an extensive root system along its runners. Providing nutrients at the root level helps it establish and adapt to submerged conditions more effectively.

Trimming

Regular

Trimming consists of cutting back runaway runners and removing old, yellowing leaves. Simply snip the stems near the base. It is generally a low-maintenance plant that only needs occasional tidying.

Propagation

Cuttings

Propagation is very easy by dividing the runners. Simply cut a piece of the runner that has roots and a few leaves. Replant it into the substrate to start a new cluster.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is somewhat challenging to adapt to fully submerged conditions and may melt initially. It requires good lighting to prevent the stems from rotting. It is quite tolerant of cooler water temperatures, reflecting its native European habitats.

Layout role

Midground

Its role is mostly as a textural accent in natural or biotope layouts. It provides a wild, slightly untamed look compared to more orderly foreground plants. It works exceptionally well in paludariums where it can grow out of the water.