Hydrocotyle tripartita

Japanese Pennywort, Hydrocotyle Japan, Dwarf Pennywort, Slender Pennywort

Easy careSemi-aquaticNon-toxic3–10 cm

A fast-growing creeping herb with small, three-lobed leaves that look like miniature clover. Native to eastern Australia and New Zealand, it spreads quickly via runners, forming dense carpets or bushy mid-ground clumps. Popular in aquascaping, it grows just as well above the waterline in terrariums and paludariums where humidity stays high. It fills in gaps between taller plants and creates a dense, naturalistic ground layer.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Japanese Pennywort image

Care

Prefers very high humidity, bright indirect light, with 18–28 °C, and reaches 10 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Very high (80%+)(preferred)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
18°C – 28°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)LoamySandy

Moisture

Wet(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Propagation

Cut a healthy stem section with leaves and place in water or moist substrate. Roots develop quickly from the nodes.

Native range

Native to Australia and New Zealand.

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Lobed

Leaf texture

GlossySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Japanese Pennywort grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Japanese Pennywort prefers very high (above 80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates bright-indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Japanese Pennywort need drainage?

Japanese Pennywort prefers a wet substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Japanese Pennywort need?

Japanese Pennywort does best in very high (above 80%) humidity.

Is Japanese Pennywort pet-safe?

Japanese Pennywort is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Japanese Pennywort grow?

Japanese Pennywort typically reaches 3–10 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Japanese Pennywort?

Japanese Pennywort can be propagated by stem cuttings or runners.

References

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