Dwarf Pennywort – Japan (Hydrocotyle tripartita var. “Japan”)
A small nano plant popular among aquascapers, Dwarf Pennywort – Japan is versatile and can be used in foreground, midground, or background of an aquascape.
Grows best under medium to high light. CO2 is not mandatory, but injection will promote denser growth.
Regular pruning encourages horizontal spreading, creating a carpeting effect. Without pruning, the plant grows toward light and develops a stem-like appearance.
Skill Level
Easy
Light Requirement
Medium light
CO2 Requirement
Not required, but recommended for denser growth
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Nano plant |
| Growth Pattern | Horizontal with pruning; stem-like without pruning |
| Light Level | Medium to high |
| CO2 Required | No, optional |
FAQ
Can Dwarf Pennywort grow without CO2?
Yes, it can grow without CO2. However, CO2 injection will result in denser and faster growth.
How often should I prune this plant?
Prune regularly to encourage horizontal spreading and maintain a carpeting look. Pruning frequency depends on growth rate, but weekly trimming is recommended for optimal results.
Does this plant work in all areas of the aquarium?
Yes, it is suitable for foreground, midground, and background placements in an aquascape.
Dominic Lambert –
Grew quickly in my 10-gallon tank with medium light. I pruned it every two weeks and now it covers the front layer nicely. No CO2 needed, but I added it later for fuller coverage.
Maria Piper –
Easy to maintain and spreads well with regular trimming. It looks great in the foreground. I didn’t use CO2, and it still grew steadily.
Brandon Ferguson –
Perfect for creating a carpet effect. I started with a few plants and now I have a dense layer. The plant stays compact and doesn’t overgrow.
Amanda Gill –
Grows fine in medium light, but I had to prune it more often than expected. Without pruning, it grew tall and sparse.