Araliaceae (ivy family; formerly placed in Apiaceae)
Origin
North and South America and the West Indies
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
1–10 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
High light; moderate CO2 (about 6–14 mg/L) recommended
Care
A creeping pennywort of marshes, bogs and wet ground in North and South America and the West Indies. Its round leaves are held on stalks attached at the centre, like tiny umbrellas, and it keeps a trailing habit. It is used mainly in the foreground, where it grows 3–10 cm tall. It does not have to be rooted and can also float, and it suits garden ponds and even indoor pots if the soil stays moist. Tropica rates it as advanced, needing strong light, medium CO2 and soft, slightly acidic water for best growth. Wikipedia calls it undemanding but notes it prefers a good substrate, at least moderate light and added CO2. Temperature is our estimate; the pH and hardness reflect Tropica's advice on soft, slightly acidic water. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocotyleverticillata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by runners that root at the nodes; cut off rooted pieces and replant or float them.
Compatibility and tank mates
Fine with shrimp and community fish; goldfish may graze it. Also suits ponds and paludariums.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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