How to Grow Brazilian Pennywort

Wikimedia Commons

Brazilian Pennywort

Hydrocotyle leucocephala

herb

Brazilian Pennywort is a fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with small, round, coin-shaped leaves native to South America. It thrives in wet environments and is popular in aquariums, paludariums, and water gardens. The plant is highly adaptable and can grow both submerged and emersed.

When should you plant Brazilian Pennywort in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Brazilian Pennywort timeline →

Example Brazilian Pennywort timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Brazilian Pennywort
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Brazilian Pennywort
Around Apr 24

≈ 7 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brazilian Pennywort dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Moderate to bright light, 8-12 hours daily; tolerates low light but grows faster with higher light intensity

💧

Water: Constant moisture required; thrives in consistently wet or permanently wet conditions. In aquariums, maintain water temperature 20-28°C (68-82°F), with soft to moderately hard water preferred. Change water regularly to prevent nutrient depletion.

📏

Spacing: 3-6 inches apart for optimal growth without crowding inches

📅

Days to maturity: 7-14 days to visible growth; reaches substantial size in 4-8 weeks

🌱

Planting depth: Plant stem cuttings 1-2 inches into substrate; can also float or anchor with weights; root nodes should be buried

Soil

Type: Nutrient-rich substrate or aquatic soil; adaptable to gravel, sand, or nutrient tabs

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Aquatic plant fertilizer (macronutrients) Trace elements/micronutrient supplement Iron supplement for vibrant leaf color Root tabs if planted in substrate

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical zones 9b-11; can be grown indoors year-round in cooler climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Get my Brazilian Pennywort timeline →

Growth Stages

Establishment

3-7 days

Newly planted stems develop small root initials and establish in substrate or water column. Existing leaves remain unchanged.

Maintain stable water conditions and consistent lighting. Avoid disturbance. Fertilize lightly with liquid fertilizer.

Vegetative Growth

2-4 weeks

Plant produces new stems and leaves rapidly. Leaves expand and additional nodes develop along stems. Growth is vigorous and highly visible.

Increase fertilization if growing in nutrient-poor substrates. Provide bright light (8-12 hours daily). Thin crowded areas to prevent shading.

Stem Elongation

3-6 weeks ongoing

Plant develops longer stems with multiple leaf nodes. Can reach surface in aquariums or extend significantly in emersed conditions. Plant becomes bushier with lateral branching.

Trim regularly to encourage lateral branching and denser growth. Propagate cuttings by replanting stem sections. Monitor for nutrient deficiencies (yellowing leaves).

Emersed Growth (if applicable)

Ongoing if conditions permit

If plant reaches above water surface or is grown terrestrially, leaves may change morphology—often becoming slightly larger and thicker. Aerial stems develop.

Maintain high humidity (80%+) and consistent moisture. Transition gradually if converting from submersed to emersed. Fertilize regularly.

Flowering (rare in culture)

Intermittent during growing season

Under optimal emersed conditions, small white or pale flowers may develop on short inflorescences. Rarely occurs in aquarium settings.

Flowering indicates mature, healthy growth. Pollination is typically manual. Allow flowers to mature if reproduction desired, or remove to redirect energy to vegetative growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ludwigia repens Hemianthus callitrichoides Eleocharis acicularis Rotala rotundifolia Anubias barteri Cryptocoryne wendtii Echinodorus tenellus

Avoid planting near:

Large aggressive stem plants that shade it heavily Allelopathic plants producing growth inhibitors Plants requiring very hard, alkaline water (if incompatible with system)

Common Pests

Reduce lighting duration, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish or shrimp (Amano shrimp, otocinclus), use Excel or hydrogen peroxide treatments carefully
Manual removal, reduce overfeeding, add snail-eating fish, limit plant matter decay, or use chelated copper products (avoid in planted tanks with sensitive plants)
Dose all-in-one fertilizers (e.g., Thrive, EasyGro), add root tabs, increase water change frequency, verify lighting is adequate
Improve water circulation, reduce organic debris, increase water changes, trim affected areas, ensure adequate oxygen
Improve air circulation, reduce humidity if excessive, remove decaying leaves, maintain consistent watering

Uses

🌿

Aquarium and Paludarium Decoration

Aquascape

Brazilian Pennywort is a popular foreground to midground aquatic plant that creates lush, natural-looking planted tanks. Its fast growth rate and attractive coin-shaped leaves make it valuable for both aesthetic and ecological aquascaping. [source]

🏠

Water Filtration and Biofilm

Household

The plant absorbs excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) from aquarium water, helping to reduce algae and maintain water quality. Dense growth provides surface area for beneficial biofilm bacteria. [source]

🦋

Habitat and Fish Breeding

Wildlife

Provides shelter and hiding places for fish fry, small invertebrates, and beneficial bacteria. The dense foliage creates a natural spawning ground and nursery environment for aquarium fish. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine Uses

Medicinal

In some cultures, Hydrocotyle species have been used in traditional remedies for skin conditions and respiratory health. Scientific evidence is limited but ongoing research explores bioactive compounds. [source]

🍳

Edible Greens and Salads

Culinary

The young leaves are edible with a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavor and can be added fresh to salads or used as a nutritious garnish. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are sometimes used in Asian cuisine. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For propagation, cut 2-4 inch stem segments just below a node using clean scissors. Remove lower leaves and replant in substrate or anchor to hardscape with thread until rooted (3-7 days). Trim regularly to prevent excessive length and encourage bushy, dense growth. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Hydrocotyle leucocephala grows so rapidly that it can double in biomass within 1-2 weeks under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest aquatic plants available.
🌱 The name 'pennywort' comes from the round, coin-shaped leaves that resemble small coins; the genus Hydrocotyle means 'water cup' in Greek, referring to the leaf's shallow cup-like shape.
🌱 This plant is highly invasive in warm regions and has become a serious aquatic invasive species in parts of the southern United States, Australia, and other subtropical/tropical areas, so disposal should be responsible (composting or trash, never releasing into waterways).

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

pH Pollination

Shop Brazilian Pennywort plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Brazilian Pennywort planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Brazilian Pennywort seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Brazilian Pennywort timeline →