Hydrocotyle tripartita (ADA Tissue Culture)

Hydrocotyle tripartita, often known as “Japanese Pennywort,” is a highly popular and versatile aquatic plant recognized for its distinctive three-lobed, clover-like leaves and creeping growth habit. This fast-growing plant can be used in various ways in aquascaping, from carpet formation in the foreground to creating lush, cascading textures in the midground or even attached to driftwood or rocks.

Its vibrant green color and unique leaf shape make it a favorite among aquascapers looking to add a dynamic and fresh appearance to their tanks. The plant is relatively undemanding, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.

This Hydrocotyle tripartita is provided in an ADA Tissue Culture format, ensuring that you receive a clean, pest-free, and algae-free specimen that has been cultivated under sterile conditions. This guarantees a healthy start for your aquascaping project.

Care Guide

Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Hydrocotyle tripartita thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions. Adequate lighting (2-4 watts per gallon or 30-50 micromoles of PAR at substrate level) is essential for maintaining its compact growth and bright green coloration. Lower light may result in more leggy growth and reduced spread.
• Substrate: Although Hydrocotyle tripartita can grow in a variety of substrates, including inert ones like sand or gravel, it performs best in nutrient-rich substrates such as aqua soil, which supports its rapid growth and strong root system.
• CO2 Injection: While not strictly necessary, CO2 supplementation will significantly boost the growth rate and health of Hydrocotyle tripartita, encouraging denser, more compact carpeting and vibrant coloration. CO2 levels around 20-30 ppm are ideal.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH)

Planting and Preparation (ADA Tissue Culture)

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container: Begin by carefully opening the ADA Tissue Culture container. The Hydrocotyle tripartita plantlets will be embedded in a nutrient-rich gel that sustains the plant during transport.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Gently remove the plant mass from the container and rinse it under lukewarm water. Make sure to thoroughly wash off all the nutrient gel. This step is crucial to prevent the gel from affecting water quality or promoting algae growth in the aquarium.
3. Dividing the Plant: After rinsing, carefully separate the plant mass into smaller clumps or individual plantlets. Dividing the plant into smaller sections allows for more even planting and promotes a quicker spread in the tank.
4. Planting: Use aquascaping tweezers to plant the small clumps into the substrate. If you are aiming for a carpet effect, space the clumps about 1 inch apart to allow them to spread evenly. You can also attach the plantlets to rocks or driftwood using thread or plant glue, depending on your desired aquascape design.
5. Initial Care: After planting, start with a moderate photoperiod (6-8 hours) to help the plants acclimate without promoting algae growth. Gradually increase the photoperiod as the plants establish themselves.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Regular trimming is recommended to encourage lateral spreading and maintain a dense, low-growing carpet. If the plant starts to grow upwards, trimming the taller shoots will encourage horizontal growth and prevent it from shading itself.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers, especially those rich in micronutrients and iron, will support the plant’s growth and maintain its bright green color. Balanced macronutrient dosing (NPK) is also important to prevent deficiencies.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (25-30% weekly) to maintain water quality, especially in tanks with high light and CO2, where nutrient levels can fluctuate.

Propagation

Hydrocotyle tripartita is easily propagated by cutting and replanting the runners. As the plant spreads, it will send out new shoots that can be trimmed and replanted elsewhere in the aquarium to create more dense coverage.

Summary

Hydrocotyle tripartita is an adaptable and attractive plant that can enhance any aquascape with its unique leaf structure and vibrant green color. Whether you’re looking to create a lush carpet, a cascading midground effect, or even an epiphytic display on hardscape, this plant is a versatile choice for any setup.

Transform your aquascape with the lush, clover-like beauty of Hydrocotyle tripartita, and enjoy the dynamic and fresh look it brings to your aquatic environment.