Hydrocotyle tripartita

Hydrocotyle tripartita, also known as Three-part Pennywort or Japanese Pennywort, is a beautiful and fast-growing aquatic plant popular in aquascaping. Its small, round, three-lobed leaves and compact growth make it a great choice for the foreground or midground of aquariums. It's relatively easy to care for, but like all plants, it thrives under the right conditions. Here's a comprehensive care guide for Hydrocotyle tripartita:

Lighting

• Intensity: Hydrocotyle tripartita requires moderate to high light to thrive. If the light is too low, it may grow leggy or sparse. High light encourages compact, dense growth with vibrant green leaves.
• Light Duration: Aim for 8-10 hours of light per day. Ensure the lighting period is consistent to avoid stress on the plant. Too much light can lead to algae growth, so it’s important to maintain balance.
• Type of Light: Use full-spectrum LED lights or fluorescent lighting with a color temperature of about 6500K. This type of light encourages healthy growth and enhances the plant’s color.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Prefers tropical temperatures between 22–28°C (72–82°F). Keep the water temperature stable to promote optimal growth.
• pH: Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0–7.5. It can tolerate slightly more alkaline conditions but does best in the slightly acidic range.
• Hardness: Hydrocotyle tripartita prefers soft to moderately hard water (dGH 3-15). Softer water tends to promote more vibrant growth, but the plant can tolerate a range of hardness levels.
• CO2: Adding CO2 supplementation is recommended for the healthiest growth, especially in high-light aquariums. CO2 promotes faster and denser growth, helping the plant form a thick, carpet-like appearance. It can still grow without CO2, but growth may be slower.

Substrate

• A nutrient-rich substrate will encourage optimal growth. Use aquatic plant soil, fine-gravel, or a mix of fine sand and organic matter to support healthy root development.
• If the substrate doesn’t provide enough nutrients, you can use root tabs placed near the base of the plant to supply essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and micronutrients.
• Hydrocotyle tripartita has a relatively shallow root system, so the plant doesn’t require deep substrate. Just make sure it has good anchorage.

Fertilization

• Liquid fertilizers containing macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients are crucial for healthy growth, particularly when CO2 is added to the aquarium. Regular fertilization helps maintain lush, vibrant growth.
• Root tabs placed near the plant’s roots will provide additional nutrients, particularly in nutrient-poor substrates, helping the plant establish a strong root system.
• While Hydrocotyle tripartita can grow without CO2, adding CO2 will enhance nutrient absorption and encourage faster growth, especially in high-light setups.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Hydrocotyle tripartita is a fast-growing plant, so regular pruning is essential to maintain its compact shape. Trim back the stems regularly to prevent the plant from growing too tall or becoming leggy.
• Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and prevent decay, which could affect water quality.
• To maintain a compact, low-growing carpet, prune back the longer stems to encourage lateral growth and new shoots.
• This plant responds well to cutting the stems and replanting them in another area of the substrate. This encourages the formation of new shoots and helps fill in gaps.

Propagation

• Hydrocotyle tripartita propagates easily through cuttings. Simply cut the stems just below a leaf node and replant them in the substrate. The plant will grow new roots at the cut ends, allowing it to spread and form new plants.
• It also spreads by sending out runners, which can be separated and replanted in new spots to create more coverage.

Tankmates

• Hydrocotyle tripartita is a peaceful plant that can coexist with most community fish and invertebrates.
• It works well in tanks with small to medium-sized fish like tetras, guppies, rasboras, and corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may uproot or damage the plant.
• Shrimp (such as Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp) and snails (such as Nerite or Ramshorn snails) make excellent tankmates. They won’t harm the plant and can help keep the aquarium clean.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Yellowing or stunted growth: This is usually due to a nutrient deficiency. Ensure you’re dosing the right amount of liquid fertilizers and supplementing with root tabs if necessary. Lack of iron or nitrogen could also cause this.
• Leggy growth: If the plant becomes tall and sparse with few leaves, it’s likely due to insufficient light or lack of CO2. Increase the light intensity or duration and consider adding CO2 to the tank.
• Algae growth: High light combined with insufficient nutrients or CO2 can promote algae growth. Keep the light intensity in check, perform regular water changes, and clean the plant to avoid algae buildup.

Size and Placement

• Hydrocotyle tripartita typically grows to about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall, making it suitable for foreground or midground placement in the aquarium.
• It can be planted in small patches or spread out across the substrate to form a dense carpet. Regular pruning will help it stay compact and prevent it from overtaking the tank.

Tips for Successful Growth

• Spacing: Plant the stems closely together, about 1–2 cm apart, to allow the plant to form a dense mat more quickly.
• CO2 and Light: Providing adequate light and CO2 will ensure the healthiest, fastest growth. This combination allows the plant to spread quickly and maintain its compact, lush appearance.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes are important to keep water quality high and remove excess nutrients, which can cause algae growth and affect the plant’s health.

By giving Hydrocotyle tripartita the right care—moderate to high light, nutrient-rich substrate, regular fertilization, and CO2 supplementation—you can achieve lush, vibrant growth. This plant is ideal for foreground aquascaping, offering a unique texture and color while remaining easy to care for. With consistent maintenance and proper growing conditions, it will thrive and enhance your aquascape.