Hydrocotyle verticillata

In the warmer regions of the Americas, Hydrocotyle verticillata is quite a common plant. It prefers very moist soils and also grows in shallow water. It differs from the more wide-spread H. leucocephala by the form of its leaves that are formed like a tiny parasol and have no slot.

Cultivating H. verticillata in an aquarium is not really difficult. One of the most important factors is light, as its height depends on light intensity. The more intense, the smaller the plant will stay. Apart from that, its demands regarding nutrients and CO2 supply are quite easy to meet. A balanced supply of nutrients and CO2 injection are beneficial to the plant's growth, though. However, if abundant nutrients are added, unfortunately the dwarfism so many hobbyists covet in this plant will disappear and it will grow much larger leaves.

A striking difference to H. leucocephala is the submersed growth habit of H. verticillata. Its creeping runners grow along the substrate, forming a dense carpet. Use a sharp pair of scissors for foreground layout and maintenance and for trimming the plant or its runners.

Its unique growth habit of the leaves that remind of little parasols or mushrooms, and its low height make H. verticillata an ideal foreground plant. In larger aquaria, it may even be used as only foreground plant, in smaller tanks it lends itself to accentuation.