Pennywort (Hydrocotyle) is an easy, fast-growing aquarium plant with round, coin-shaped leaves on long stems, and the common aquarium types, Brazilian pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala), whorl pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) and dwarf pennywort (Hydrocotyle tripartita), grow in low to medium light without CO2, tolerate Indian tap water and can be planted, floated or grown on wood. Because the stems creep and climb, pennywort is useful for covering the back of a tank, hiding equipment and softening hardscape. This guide explains the types, how to plant and trim pennywort, how it differs from the Indian pennywort used in herbal remedies, light and fertilizer, common problems and the best fish and tanks for it.
Quick answer: Plant pennywort stems 3-4 cm into the substrate or let them float, give them low to medium light for 7-8 hours and keep water at about 20-28 C. Add a little liquid fertilizer weekly and a root tab for planted stems. Trim the tops every two to three weeks to keep it bushy, because it grows fast and shades plants below. Do not eat or use aquarium plants as herbal medicine.
Pennywort at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Common names | Pennywort, water pennywort, marsh pennywort, Hydrocotyle |
| Common species | Hydrocotyle leucocephala (Brazilian), H. verticillata (whorl), H. tripartita (dwarf) |
| Origin | Wetlands of the Americas and many tropical regions |
| Plant type | Stem plant; creeping or climbing; grows in water or emersed |
| Light | Low to medium; more light gives bushier growth |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Temperature | About 20-28 C |
| Water | Soft to hard water, pH roughly 6 to 8 |
| Growth speed | Fast |
| Height | 10-40 cm; floating stems can spread across the surface |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Fish eat it? | Some goldfish and cichlids nibble the soft stems |
Why pennywort suits Indian aquariums
Pennywort is tough, grows quickly and adapts to a wide range of water, so it is a reliable plant for Indian tanks, including tanks without CO2 or strong lights. Its round leaves add a different shape from the narrow leaves of Vallisneria and the feathery leaves of hornwort, and the stems can be tied to wood or rock to make a green curtain. Fish and shrimp also use the roots as shelter. Compare it with other beginner plants in our beginner aquarium plants guide, fastest growing aquarium plants and stem plants guide.
Types of pennywort compared
| Type | Leaf and size | Growth habit | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian pennywort (H. leucocephala) | Rounded to heart-shaped leaves on long stems, 15-40 cm | Upright to floating | Background and surface cover | Most common; tolerant of many conditions |
| Whorl pennywort (H. verticillata) | Round, cup-shaped leaves on stalks, 10-30 cm | Upright, pretty rosette-like leaves | Midground to background | Needs medium light and nutrients |
| Dwarf pennywort (H. tripartita) | Small lobed leaves, 5-15 cm | Creeping, forms a carpet | Foreground carpet in nano tanks | Needs stronger light and fine substrate |
| Floating form | Round leaves on trailing stems | Spreads at the surface | Shade and fry cover | Thin it often to keep light reaching plants below |
For a first pennywort, choose Brazilian pennywort. Whorl pennywort is the most decorative, while dwarf pennywort works only if you can give strong light and trim often.
Pennywort and Indian pennywort: do not confuse them
In India, pennywort is also the English name for Centella asiatica, a plant known as brahmi in some regions and mandukaparni in Ayurveda, which is used in herbal preparations. The aquarium pennywort (Hydrocotyle) is a different genus, and aquarium plants are grown for ornamental use. Plants sold for aquariums may be grown with fertilizers and chemicals that are not meant for human use, so do not eat aquarium plants or use them as herbal medicine, and buy herbal plants only from sources that sell them for that purpose.
Light and CO2
Pennywort grows in low to medium light for 7-8 hours a day. In low light it grows long and thin; in medium to strong light it stays shorter and bushier. See our planted aquarium lighting guide and how many hours to run an aquarium light. A light such as the Sobo AL-380 (15.5W) (₹1,230) suits 1-2 foot tanks, and the Neo Helios Nano S3 Plus (₹1,050) suits nano tanks. Pennywort does not need CO2; see our low-tech planted tank guide.
Planted tank lights by tank size (Fish Bazaar range)
Pick the row that matches your tank length, then choose by plant level: the cheaper full-spectrum lights suit low to medium light plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Cryptocoryne, while the Chihiros WRGB II Pro and B Series are built for red plants, carpets and CO2 tanks. Tank length is the longest side of the glass. Prices are in rupees as listed on Fish Bazaar on 9 October 2026 and can change, so check the product page for the current price and stock.
| Tank length | Light | Power | Best for | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano, about 20 cm | Sobo AL-180 COB | 8W | Easy low-light plants: Anubias nana, mosses, Bucephalandra, small Crypts | ₹890 |
| Nano, about 20 cm | BluePet N6 Neo+ | 6W | Easy low-light nano plants; full spectrum | ₹550 |
| Nano, about 20 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 20) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech planted tanks; tunable colour | ₹4,900 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Neo Helios Flat Nano S3 Plus | 13W | Low to medium light: Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Java fern, easy stems | ₹1,050 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Neo Helios Flat Nano S3 Pro+ (10000K) | 13W | Low to medium light; cooler 10000K full spectrum | ₹1,250 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Blue Pet Flat Nano S3 WRGB | 10W | Easy low-light nano plants; WRGB colour | ₹850 |
| Nano and small tanks (about 20-40 cm) | Blue Pet Flat Nano S4 WRGB | 16W | Low to medium light; more penetration than the S3 | ₹1,010 |
| 30-40 cm (about 1 to 1.5 ft) | RS Electrical RS-S13 clip-on | 12W | Low to medium light; clip-on for rimless tanks | ₹860 |
| 30-40 cm (about 1 to 1.5 ft) | RS Electrical RS-L13 clip-on (10000K) | 12W | Small planted tanks; clip-on, full-spectrum beads | ₹850 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 30) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹5,900 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (30) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹22,000 |
| 30 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (30) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹11,600 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 40-50 cm (about 1.5 ft) | Sobo AL-380 COB | 15.5W | Low to medium light: Anubias, Crypts, Java fern, easy stems | ₹1,230 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 45) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹6,500 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (45) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹26,000 |
| 45 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (45) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹12,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 50-60 cm (about 2 ft) | Sobo AL-480 COB | 21W | Low to medium light; add CO2 and dosing for carpets and red plants | ₹1,500 |
| 50-60 cm (about 2 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-300 (up to about 2-2.5 ft) | 16W | Small to medium planted tanks; many medium-light plants | ₹3,450 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros B Series (B 60) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹7,200 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (60) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹31,999 |
| 60 cm | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (60) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹15,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 80 cm (about 2.5 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 80) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹9,800 |
| 80 cm (about 2.5 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (80) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹37,999 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-600 (3 ft and up) | 32W | Medium to large planted tanks, including more demanding plants | ₹5,050 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 90) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹10,700 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (90) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹41,999 |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (90) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹20,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Neo-Helios XP-1200 (4 ft and up) | 64W | Medium to large planted tanks, including more demanding plants | ₹5,850 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros B Series (B 120) | White + RGB, app control | Medium to high-tech; red plants | ₹11,500 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Pro (120) | 4-in-1 WRGB, app control | High-tech tanks with demanding plants | ₹52,999 |
| 120 cm (4 ft) | Chihiros WRGB II Slim (120) | WRGB, app control | Planted and high-tech; use CO2 and dosing for demanding plants | ₹24,000 (sold out at time of writing) |
| Specialist Chihiros (tank size not stated on the product page) | Chihiros A II 801 | White LED, app control | Densely planted freshwater tanks; acrylic stand, no metal legs | ₹11,500 (sold out at time of writing) |
| Specialist Chihiros (tank size not stated on the product page) | Chihiros RGB Vivid II Mini | RGB, app control | The most demanding plants; mount or pendant versions | ₹27,400 pendant, 28,800 mount (sold out at time of writing) |
Chihiros sizes (30, 45, 60, 80, 90, 120) match the tank length in cm. Wattage alone does not decide plant growth, so match the light to your plants and add CO2 and fertilizer only if you want demanding species. Not sure which light fits your tank? See the full aquarium light range or message us with your tank size.
Fertilizer and root tabs
Pennywort takes nutrients through leaves and roots, and it grows faster with regular feeding. A weekly dose of an all-in-one such as Sunken Garden Green (₹490) and a root tab such as Sunken Garden Root Tabs (₹290) for planted stems keep leaves large and dark green. Pale leaves with green veins usually point to low iron; see aquarium plant fertilizer guide, iron for aquarium plants and nutrient deficiency in aquarium plants.
How to plant pennywort
- Rinse the stems and quarantine them; see how to dip and quarantine new plants.
- Remove any bands, weights or rockwool.
- Trim the base and strip the lowest leaves.
- Push each stem 3-4 cm into the substrate, or let it float, or tie it to wood or rock.
- Space stems 3-5 cm apart so that the leaves do not shade each other.
- Add a root tab nearby and keep the light steady.
See how to plant aquarium plants for other methods and plant holders, pots, weights and glue for tools.
Trimming and propagating pennywort
Pennywort grows upwards and then spreads along the surface, where it makes a thick mat that blocks light for plants below. Trim stems every two to three weeks by cutting 10-15 cm from the top and replanting the tops. Remove surface mats so that a third of the water surface stays open. Each cutting with a node forms roots and grows, so pennywort is easy to propagate; see how to propagate aquarium plants. Dry unwanted trimmings in household waste and do not throw them into drains, ponds or rivers.
Growing pennywort emersed
Pennywort grows well above water. If a stem reaches the surface, new leaves become larger and rounder and grow in the air, which is faster than growth underwater. Some keepers grow pennywort in the corner of an open-top tank, in a planted bowl or in a hang-on filter box, where the roots take up nutrients from the water and the leaves grow outside. Trim the top growth regularly, because it can flop over the rim and shade the tank. See our water plants to grow at home guide for easy container ideas.
Tying pennywort to wood and rock
To make a green curtain, lay a few long stems along a piece of driftwood or a rock and tie them with cotton thread or fine fishing line, leaving the leaves free. The stems form roots at each node and grip the surface within two to four weeks, after which the thread can be removed. Keep light and flow gentle at first so the stems do not break loose, and trim the tops regularly so that the base keeps its leaves. This method works best with Brazilian and whorl pennywort, and it keeps the substrate clear for carpets and root tabs.
Using pennywort in your layout
Plant a group of five to eight stems at the back or in a corner, or tie stems to a piece of driftwood to create a green curtain. Pair pennywort with slower plants such as Anubias, Java fern and Cryptocoryne in front. Brazilian pennywort looks natural in tanks with soft light and soil; dwarf pennywort needs a fine substrate and strong light to make a low carpet. For layout help, see our aquascaping guide.
Common pennywort problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves melt after planting | Plant adapting from emersed growth | Keep conditions steady; new leaves grow |
| Long, thin stems with small leaves | Low light | Raise light and trim tops |
| Pale leaves with green veins | Low iron or nutrients | Add all-in-one fertilizer and iron |
| Holes in leaves | Potassium shortage or snails | Dose fertilizer; check for snails |
| Algae on leaves | Strong light and low nutrients | Reduce light period and feed lightly |
| Surface mat blocks light | Stems spread across the surface | Trim mats every few weeks |
| Stems rot at the base | Crowded or buried stems | Thin and replant healthy tops |
See why aquarium plants melt or turn brown and yellow and does fertilizer cause algae for more fixes.
Which fish and tanks suit pennywort
Pennywort suits community, livebearer, nano, shrimp and betta tanks, and its roots give fry and shrimp cover. Goldfish and some cichlids nibble the soft stems, and large fish can uproot unanchored plants. See goldfish care, cichlid care, guppy care and aquarium plants for betta fish. For more fish choices, read best fish for a planted aquarium.
Choosing healthy pennywort
Look for stems with firm, green round leaves and white roots at the nodes. Avoid plants with black, translucent or slimy leaves and stems that smell musty. Pennywort often arrives in a tangle; separate the stems gently, remove rotten parts and plant the healthy tops. Buy a few more stems than you need, because some leaves may melt while the plant adapts.
Buying pennywort in India
Pennywort is sold in bunches and is one of the cheaper aquarium plants. Make sure the seller names the species, because the herbal Centella asiatica is sometimes sold under the same common name; see where to buy live aquarium plants in India and tissue culture plants. At the time of writing, Fish Bazaar does not list live pennywort on the store; we stock the lights, fertilizers and root tabs shown above, and you can message us on WhatsApp for help planning your tank.
हिंदी में संक्षेप: पेनीवॉर्ट (हाइड्रोकोटाइल) गोल पत्तों वाला तेज़ी से बढ़ने वाला आसान पौधा है जो कम से मध्यम रोशनी में चलता है और CO2 नहीं माँगता। इसे मिट्टी में 3-4 सेमी लगाएँ, पानी पर तैरने दें या लकड़ी पर बाँधें। हफ़्ते में थोड़ी तरल खाद दें और हर 2-3 हफ़्ते में ऊपर से काटें। यह एक्वेरियम का पौधा है, भारतीय औषधीय मंडूकपर्णी या ब्राह्मी (सेंटेला) से अलग है, इसलिए इसे खाएँ या दवा के रूप में इस्तेमाल न करें।
Frequently asked questions
Is pennywort easy to grow in an aquarium?
Yes. It grows in low to medium light, needs no CO2 and tolerates a wide range of water.
How do you plant pennywort?
Push stems 3-4 cm into the substrate, let them float or tie them to wood. Space stems 3-5 cm apart.
Can pennywort float?
Yes. Floating stems grow a thick mat that shades plants below, so trim it every few weeks.
Which pennywort is best for beginners?
Brazilian pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is the easiest and most widely sold.
Is aquarium pennywort the same as brahmi or mandukaparni?
No. The herbal Indian pennywort is Centella asiatica, a different genus. Do not eat aquarium plants or use them as herbal medicine.
Why are my pennywort leaves melting?
Plants often melt as they adapt from emersed growth. Keep conditions steady and new leaves will grow.
How often should I trim pennywort?
Every two to three weeks. Cut 10-15 cm from the top and replant the tops.
Does pennywort need CO2 or fertilizer?
It does not need CO2, but weekly fertilizer and a root tab keep leaves large and green.
Can pennywort grow out of water?
Yes. Emersed leaves are larger and grow faster, but trim them so they do not shade the tank.
Will goldfish eat pennywort?
Goldfish and some cichlids nibble the soft stems. Use tougher plants or float it out of reach.
Related plant guides
- Aquarium plants for fish tanks: the complete India guide
- Beginner aquarium plants
- Fastest growing aquarium plants
- Stem plants guide
- Water plants to grow at home
- How to propagate aquarium plants
- How to plant aquarium plants
Planning a planted tank with pennywort? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 91523 30102 and we will help.
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