Hydrocotyle verticillata

Hydrocotyle verticillata , the American pennywort, is a member of the Araliaceae family, native to temperate and subtropical wetlands in North and South America. It remains significantly smaller than the native common pennywort ( Hydrocotyle vulgaris ).

The peltate (shield- to umbrella-shaped) leaves only grow to about 3 cm in size, but often remain at just 1.5 to 2 cm. It forms dense mats of creeping rhizomes. Underwater, the leaves remain somewhat smaller than on land. In low light, submerged plants tend to grow upright instead of forming mats. On land, growth is always creeping.

This plant can be cultivated both in aquariums (submerged) and in humid terrariums (emersed). In aquariums, it requires plenty of light, good CO₂ levels, and moderate water temperatures for compact growth. Cultivation on land, in a moderately warm terrarium, paludarium, or bottle garden, is straightforward. It is winter-hardy in Germany and can also be planted outdoors.


You'll receive a vigorous plant in a 6-cm aquatic plant pot.