Description

 

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Unique Lily-Pad Style Foreground Plant

Hydrocotyle verticillata is a distinctive and highly decorative freshwater aquarium plant known for its small, round, lily-pad-shaped leaves held on slender vertical stems. Native to South America, this plant brings a playful yet elegant character to aquascapes, instantly standing out from traditional carpeting plants.

Rather than forming a dense, flat carpet, Hydrocotyle verticillata creates a light, airy foreground effect with gentle movement. Its growth habit allows it to trail, spread, or float, making it an exceptionally versatile plant for creative aquascaping. When grown under optimal conditions, it remains compact, tidy, and visually striking.

This species is a favourite among aquascapers looking to add texture and individuality to nature-style, Iwagumi, jungle, and minimalist layouts.

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💚 Why You’ll Love Hydrocotyle verticillata

• 🌱 Iconic round “lily pad” leaves unlike any other aquarium plant
• 🌿 Compact height makes it ideal for foreground use
• 💧 Can be planted, left unrooted, or used as a floating plant
• ✨ Creates a soft, natural transition between hardscape elements
• 🐠 Completely safe for shrimp, nano fish, and community tanks
• 🎨 Adds movement and visual interest without overcrowding

Its unusual structure allows it to break up rigid layouts while still maintaining a clean and intentional aquascape design.

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🌞 Care & Placement

Hydrocotyle verticillata is easy to maintain when provided with the right balance of light, nutrients, and stable water conditions. While adaptable, it truly shines under optimal care.

Light Requirements:

• Medium to high lighting
• Strong light encourages compact growth and shorter stems

CO₂:

• CO₂ supplementation is recommended
• Enhances growth rate, leaf size, and overall plant density

Substrate:

• Not required to root
• Can be gently anchored, left loose, or allowed to float
• Nutrient-rich substrates improve long-term growth

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Prefers soft to slightly acidic water for best results

Growth Rate:

• Moderate under optimal conditions

Propagation:

• Easily propagated by dividing stems or runners
• Cut sections can be replanted or repositioned freely

Placement Tips:

• Space individual stems to allow natural spreading
• Trim taller growth to maintain a neat foreground profile
• Excellent around stones, driftwood, and open sand areas

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🎨 Aquascaping Inspiration

Hydrocotyle verticillata is perfect for aquascapers who enjoy natural flow and organic detail. Use it sparingly in Iwagumi layouts to soften hard lines between rocks, or allow it to trail gently through driftwood in jungle-style tanks.

Because it does not need to be rooted, it can also be used as a floating accent plant, creating subtle surface interest without blocking too much light. Its versatility even extends beyond aquariums — it can thrive in ponds or emersed setups in consistently moist soil.

Pair it with fine-textured plants like Eleocharis, Hemianthus, or mosses to highlight its unique leaf shape and enhance depth within the aquascape.

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📌 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle verticillata
• Common Name: Whorled Pennywort
• Origin: South America
• Placement: Foreground
• Light: Medium–High
• CO₂: Recommended
• Growth Speed: Moderate
• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

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✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a plant that offers something truly different, Hydrocotyle verticillata is an excellent choice. Its lily-pad leaves, flexible growth habit, and foreground-friendly size make it a standout addition to both beginner and advanced aquascapes.

🌿 Add Hydrocotyle verticillata to your aquarium today and elevate your aquascape with natural charm and versatility.