Mini pennyworth - Tissue Culture

Mini Pennywort: The Aquascaping Clover

This tissue culture is most often sold in the aquarium hobby as Hydrocotyle sp. 'Japan' or Dwarf Pennywort Japan, is a cultivar of the species Hydrocotyle tripartita. This fast-growing, highly versatile aquatic plant is a favorite among professional aquascapers for its distinctive, bright green, three-lobed leaves that resemble tiny clovers.

Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, this plant is remarkably adaptable. It can be utilized in almost any section of the tank: as a dense, low-lying carpet in the foreground (with high light and frequent trimming), a bushy accent in the midground, or even allowed to trail over rocks and driftwood for a natural, soft-textured look.

While considered Easy to Moderate in care, this Mini Pennywort tissue culture is a highly rewarding plant. With optimal conditions (high light and CO₂ injection), it grows explosively and requires frequent trimming to maintain its desired shape and prevent it from shading out other plants.

Care & Aquascaping:

• Growth Habit: This is a runner-producing stem plant. It spreads horizontally via creeping runners and can climb over hardscape. Regular, deep trimming encourages denser, more compact, and horizontal growth for a carpeting effect.
• Lighting: It thrives in Medium to High Light. Lower light conditions will cause the stems to grow taller and "leggy" as the plant stretches for light, making it difficult to maintain a carpet.
• CO2 Injection: While the plant can survive without it (Low-Tech), CO₂ injection is highly recommended for fast growth, compact form, and the dense, vibrant carpet most aquascapers desire.
• Substrate & Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate (like aquasoil) is preferred, as are root tabs and a comprehensive liquid fertilizer regimen (rich in iron and micronutrients). Signs of poor fertilization include yellowing or pale leaves.
• Planting: When planting, small tufts (runners) should be separated and lightly inserted into the substrate. For carpeting, plant patches approximately 1.5 inches apart. It can also be tucked into crevices on driftwood or rocks.
• Compatibility: It is 100% Shrimp and Fish Safe, and its dense growth provides excellent foraging and shelter for fry and invertebrates.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita
• Primary Common Name: Mini Pennywort / Dwarf Pennywort Japan
• Other Common Names: Japanese Pennywort, Hydrocotyle Japan
• Origin: Asia/Australia (Cultivar)
• Max Height: 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) (Low-growing with trimming, taller without)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aquarium Plant)
• Growth Rate: Fast / Very Fast (with CO₂)
• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Lighting Needs: Medium to High
• CO2 Requirement: Recommended (for best results), but optional
• Aquarium Placement: Foreground Carpet, Midground Bush, Trailing Accent