DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Medium

Biweekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

A tiny-leaved creeping pennywort for foreground mats.

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides carries small, round, scalloped leaves on creeping runners, forming a bright, low mat across the substrate or hardscape. It's fast and adaptable, working in low-tech tanks and easily trimmed to shape.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable Fry cover
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementForeground
Typical height1–4 in
Typical width3 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height8 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR40–100
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitModerate
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingModerate
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–80°F
pH5.5–7.2
GH1–12 dGH
KH0–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Any; roots into substrate or creeps over hardscape

Creeps rapidly by runners; trim to keep it as a low mat.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners / division

Acclimation

Melts back before carpeting if light/CO2 are marginal.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Fails to stay low and carpet without strong light and CO2; lifts if roots are shallow.