Dennerle Hydrocotyle Tripartita

Hydrocotyle tripartita is a small, creeping pennywort from Southeast Asia (particularly Japan and surrounding regions), where it grows in moist, boggy environments along stream margins and rice paddies. In the aquarium, it has become one of the most popular foreground and carpeting plants due to its distinctive tiny three-lobed bright green leaves that form dense, layered carpets with a natural, forest-floor appearance.

Unlike many carpet plants that form flat lawns, Hydrocotyle tripartita grows in a more three-dimensional, stacked manner — layers of tiny leaves creating depth and texture. Under strong light it creeps along the substrate, while in lower light or near the surface it tends to grow more upright. This flexibility allows it to be used as a foreground carpet, a midground mat, or even a floating surface plant.

Hydrocotyle tripartita is relatively forgiving compared to demanding carpet plants like HC Cuba. It grows without CO2 in medium light (slowly), and thrives rapidly under CO2 and strong light. Its fast growth under ideal conditions means regular trimming is necessary to maintain a compact, attractive appearance.

Dennerle's in vitro tissue culture version ensures an algae-free, snail-free product suitable for shrimp tanks.

Light: Medium to high light (25–60+ PAR). Grows in moderate light without CO2 but is much faster and denser with CO2 and stronger light.

CO2: Optional for growth, but CO2 injection (15–25 mg/L) produces the best, densest carpet results.

Substrate: Rich substrate or regular liquid fertilization supports rapid growth. Root tabs help establish plants in nutrient-poor substrates.

Placement: Foreground carpet or midground mat. Trims back to 2–3 cm height for carpet effect. Can also be grown uncontrolled for a more natural, overgrown look.

Propagation: Very fast by runners. Trim and replant portions to fill gaps or extend the carpet area.

Maintenance: Regular trimming required in good conditions. Trim back to substrate level to maintain carpet density.

Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 20–28°C, soft to moderately hard water.