Hydrocotyle verticillata

Whorled Pennywort, Whorled Marshpennywort, Shield Pennywort, Water Pennywort

Easy careSemi-aquaticNon-toxic5–15 cm

A low-growing semi-aquatic herb with round, glossy leaves on slender stems that look like tiny lily pads. The leaves are peltate, meaning the stem attaches to the centre of the leaf rather than the edge. Native to wetlands across the Americas and parts of Africa, it spreads quickly via stolons and underground runners, forming dense mats of coin-shaped foliage. It grows well submerged in aquaria, emergent in paludariums, or terrestrially in moist closed terrariums.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Whorled Pennywort image

Care

Prefers very high humidity, bright indirect light, with 4–27 °C, and reaches 15 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

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

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C
4°C – 27°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)LoamySandy

Moisture

Wet(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Propagation

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

Frequently asked

Can Whorled Pennywort grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Whorled Pennywort need drainage?

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

What humidity does Whorled Pennywort need?

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

Is Whorled Pennywort pet-safe?

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

How tall does Whorled Pennywort grow?

Whorled Pennywort typically reaches 5–15 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Whorled Pennywort?

Whorled Pennywort can be propagated by stem cuttings or division or runners.

References

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    Wikipedia - Hydrocotyle verticillata

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocotyle_verticillata
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    GBIF - Hydrocotyle verticillata

    https://www.gbif.org/species/3034602
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