Brazilian Pennywort

Brazilian pennywort is one of the most adaptable stem plants in the hobby, capable of growing emersed, submersed, or creeping across the water surface. Its round, penny-shaped leaves on thin stems create a soft, layered look that works equally well as a midground bush, a foreground accent, or a floating canopy. The optimum temperature is between 20 and 28 °C and pH from 6 to 7.5, with moderate to high light preferred. Growth is fast under suitable conditions; trim regularly to keep neighbouring plants clear. Carbon dioxide supplementation is optional; the plant grows well without it as long as light and nutrients are sufficient. Nitrate around 10 to 50 mg/l and phosphate 0.1 to 3 mg/l cover its needs. The stems root easily from cuttings, so propagation is as simple as replanting any trimmed section. Its main drawback is the tendency to shed lower leaves if the upper canopy becomes too dense, which is solved by thinning rather than harder lighting. Brazilian pennywort is also one of the few plants that transitions seamlessly from submersed to emersed growth, making it useful in paludariums and ripariums.