Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides ‘Variegata’ | Aquatic Plant

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, commonly known as the Lawn Pennywort, originates from Asia and Africa, thriving in various habitats from moderately dry to wet environments, and occasionally even submerged. With the rise in popularity of the Australian species Hydrocotyle tripartita among aquarium enthusiasts, H. sibthorpioides has somewhat faded from attention. However, the cultivar ‘Variegata’, distinguished by its white zones on the leaves and formerly known as “Crystal Confetti,” has caught interest for its ability to grow both underwater and in typical terrestrial settings. Submerged shoots of the Lawn Pennywort grow horizontally at first, then ascend to an upright position, branching out over time to form a dense tangle. On land, the shoots creep along the surface, developing roots at the nodes.

As an aquatic plant, the Lawn Pennywort has moderate requirements. It thrives in well-lit tanks and greatly benefits from the addition of CO2 and a comprehensive supply of both macro and micronutrients through the water column. Water parameters are of lesser concern, with temperatures ranging between 22 to 28°C being ideal, although the plant can tolerate colder waters below 20°C. When planting, place small clusters of stems into the substrate with some spacing between them to allow for growth. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the desired bushy appearance. As a terrestrial plant, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is easily cultivated by laying the shoots on moist ground, where they will root and form a dense carpet over time.

The Variegated Lawn Pennywort, with its small, round leaves featuring white and green tones, adds a charming touch to the midground or foreground of an aquarium. It also serves as an intriguing option for terrestrial environments such as paludariums and Wabi-Kusa setups, where it can form mats of greenery.

Key features of the aquatic plant Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides:

Family: Scrophulariaceae

• Size: 2-5 cm tall, 1-2 cm wide
• Placement: Foreground
• Color: Green
• Difficulty: Medium
• Growth: Medium
• Light Requirement: Medium
• Type: Propagates by runners
• Height in aquarium: Cannot touch the water surface
• Emersed Growth: Possible
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Temperature: 18-27°C
• Plant Structure: Resembles an umbrella-shaped mushroom
• pH: 5.0 – 7.0