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Brazilian Pennywort Plant (Hydrocotyle Leucocephala) for Sale
$5.99
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Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle Leucocephala)
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is one of the easiest and fastest-growing aquarium plants available. Known for its attractive round green leaves and versatile growth habits, Brazilian Pennywort can be grown rooted in the substrate, attached to hardscape, or floating freely at the water's surface. Its rapid growth helps absorb excess nutrients, improve water quality, and create natural shelter for shrimp, fry, and small fish.
This beginner-friendly aquarium plant thrives in a wide range of water conditions and does not require CO2 injection to grow successfully. Whether you're setting up your first planted tank or looking to add lush greenery to an established aquascape, Brazilian Pennywort is an excellent choice. At The Shrimp Farm, we carefully select and ship healthy, aquarium-grown Brazilian Pennywort plants that are ready to thrive in your freshwater aquarium.
What You Will Receive
✅ healthy stems of Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)
✅ Ready to plant or float
✅ Suitable for shrimp tanks and community aquariums
✅ Carefully packaged for safe shipping
Brazilian Pennywort Quick Facts
• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala
• Common Name: Brazilian Pennywort
• Care Level: Easy
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Light Requirement: Low to Moderate
• CO2 Required: No, but beneficial
• Placement: Midground, Background, or Floating
• Leaf Color: Bright Green
• Temperature Range: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–8.0
• Propagation: Stem Cuttings
• Shrimp Safe: Yes
• Beginner Friendly: Yes
• Growth Form: Stem Plant
• Special Feature: Can be grown planted or floating
Is Brazilian Pennywort Good for Shrimp Tanks?
Yes, Brazilian Pennywort is an excellent plant for shrimp tanks. Its fast growth, dense foliage, and versatile growth habits make it one of our favorite plants for freshwater shrimp aquariums. Whether planted in the substrate or allowed to float at the surface, Brazilian Pennywort provides valuable shelter and grazing opportunities for shrimp of all ages.
Baby shrimp, in particular, benefit from the plant's numerous stems and round leaves, which offer protection from larger tank mates while creating additional surface area for biofilm growth. Shrimp naturally feed on the microorganisms, algae, and biofilm that develop on plant surfaces throughout the aquarium.
Benefits of Brazilian Pennywort in shrimp tanks include:
✅ Provides cover for baby shrimp and breeding colonies
✅ Creates additional grazing surfaces for biofilm
✅ Helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients
✅ Safe for Neocaridina Shrimp, Caridina, Amano, and other freshwater shrimp like the #1 selling Red Cherry Shrimp for Sale
✅ Fast-growing and easy to maintain
✅ Can be grown planted or floating for added versatility
In our experience, Brazilian Pennywort is one of the easiest plants to keep in shrimp tanks and pairs well with mosses, floating aquarium plants, and other beginner-friendly aquarium plants.
Can Brazilian Pennywort Be Used as a Floating Plant?
Yes, Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) can be grown as either a planted or floating aquarium plant. In fact, many hobbyists prefer to use Brazilian Pennywort as a floating plant because of its rapid growth, attractive trailing roots, and benefits for shrimp and fish.
When allowed to float at the water's surface, Brazilian Pennywort develops long root systems that create valuable shelter for baby shrimp, fish fry, and other small aquarium inhabitants. These roots also provide additional surface area for biofilm growth, giving aquarium shrimp a natural food source to graze on throughout the day.
Benefits of growing Brazilian Pennywort as a floating plant include:
✅ Provides excellent cover for shrimp and fish fry
✅ Creates natural grazing surfaces for biofilm
✅ Helps absorb excess nutrients from the water
✅ Can help reduce algae by competing for nutrients
✅ Provides light shade for sensitive freshwater aquarium fish and shrimp
✅ Requires no planting or special setup
Because Brazilian Pennywort grows quickly, floating plants may occasionally need to be trimmed to prevent excessive surface coverage. Simply remove excess growth or replant cuttings elsewhere in the aquarium. Whether grown floating or rooted in substrate, Brazilian Pennywort remains one of the easiest and most versatile aquarium plants available.
Why Buy Brazilian Pennywort from The Shrimp Farm?
When you order Brazilian Pennywort from The Shrimp Farm, you're getting healthy, carefully selected plants from hobbyists who actively maintain planted aquariums and shrimp tanks. We take pride in shipping high-quality aquarium plants that arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your aquarium.
✅ Healthy, vibrant Brazilian Pennywort plants
✅ Fast-growing and beginner-friendly
✅ Safe for shrimp, fish, snails, and other freshwater inhabitants
✅ Carefully packaged to minimize shipping stress
✅ Live arrival guarantee
✅ Expert support from experienced aquarists
✅ Affordable $9.99 plant-only shipping option
✅ Trusted by aquarium hobbyists nationwide
✅ Grown for aquarium use and ready for your tank
Whether you're creating a lush aquascape, building a shrimp breeding tank, or simply looking for an easy-care aquarium plant, Brazilian Pennywort is an excellent choice that adds natural beauty, shelter, and nutrient absorption to your aquarium.
BACKED BY THE SHRIMP FARM'S LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE!
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) enhances aquariums by forming floating mats or creeping along substrates, offering natural shelter and shade for fish, shrimp, and invertebrates. Unlike many delicate plants, it is hardy, resilient, and grows quickly under a range of freshwater conditions. Its vibrant green leaves create a visually dynamic environment while helping absorb excess nutrients, naturally reducing algae growth. Perfect for planted tanks, community aquariums, or floating plant setups, Brazilian Pennywort is low-maintenance and versatile. Use it to introduce color, movement, and ecological balance to your aquarium while providing a safe, healthy, and engaging habitat for all your aquatic life.
Why Choose Brazilian Pennywort?
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Fast-growing freshwater plant that creates lush greenery in aquariums
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Adds natural beauty and texture with round, vibrant leaves
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Can float freely or be anchored to substrate or décor for versatile aquascaping
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Provides hiding spots and resting areas for fish and shrimp
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Helps reduce algae growth by absorbing excess nutrients
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Suitable for both small and large freshwater tanks
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Low-maintenance and ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists
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Supports natural oxygenation and contributes to a balanced aquarium ecosystem
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Can be used in aquariums, paludariums, or ponds for decorative effect
Brazilian Pennywort vs Water Wisteria
Both Brazilian Pennywort and Water Wisteria are popular beginner-friendly aquarium plants, but they offer different appearances and growth habits.
| Feature | Brazilian Pennywort | Water Wisteria |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydrocotyle leucocephala | Hygrophila difformis |
| Care Level | Easy | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| CO2 Required | No | No |
| Light Requirement | Low to Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Leaf Shape | Round, Penny-Shaped Leaves | Lacy, Fern-Like Leaves |
| Can Be Floated | Yes | Occasionally |
| Shrimp Friendly | Excellent | Excellent |
| Beginner Friendly | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best Placement | Midground, Background, Floating | Midground to Background |
Brazilian Pennywort is a great choice if you want a unique plant with attractive round leaves and the ability to grow either planted or floating. Its floating roots create excellent cover for freshwater aquarium shrimp and fish fry while adding a natural appearance to the aquarium.
Water Wisteria is often preferred by hobbyists looking for a fuller, bushier background plant with finely textured leaves. It grows quickly and is highly effective at absorbing excess nutrients.
For shrimp tanks, low-tech aquariums, and hobbyists seeking a versatile plant that can be used in multiple ways, Brazilian Pennywort is often the better choice. For dense background coverage and a more traditional planted tank appearance, Water Wisteria may be the better option.
Brazilian Pennywort Care Guide
Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) is a hardy, fast-growing aquarium plant that is ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of water conditions makes it one of the easiest freshwater aquarium plants to keep.
Lighting
Brazilian Pennywort grows well under low to moderate lighting and can also thrive under high light conditions. Higher light levels typically result in faster growth and more compact foliage, while lower light produces slower growth with longer stems.
CO2 Requirements
CO2 injection is not required for Brazilian Pennywort to grow successfully. This plant performs very well in low-tech aquariums and is an excellent choice for hobbyists who do not use supplemental CO2. However, added CO2 can encourage faster growth and fuller plant development.
Water Parameters
• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Hardness: Soft to Hard Water
Brazilian Pennywort adapts easily to a variety of freshwater aquarium conditions, making it suitable for community tanks, shrimp tanks, and planted aquariums.
Fertilization
Like most fast-growing stem plants, Brazilian Pennywort benefits from regular fertilization. A quality all-in-one liquid fertilizer will help maintain vibrant green leaves and support vigorous growth. Nutrient-rich aquariums often produce the best results.
Planting and Placement
Brazilian Pennywort is extremely versatile and can be grown in several ways:
• Planted in substrate as a background or midground plant
• Attached to driftwood or rock
• Floating freely at the water surface
Many aquarists enjoy allowing Brazilian Pennywort to float, where it develops extensive root systems that provide excellent cover for shrimp and freshwater aquarium fish fry.
Trimming and Maintenance
Because Brazilian Pennywort grows quickly, regular trimming is recommended to prevent it from overtaking the aquarium. Simply trim the stems and replant healthy cuttings to propagate new plants. Frequent pruning encourages bushier growth and helps maintain a neat appearance.
Difficulty Level
Brazilian Pennywort is considered an easy aquarium plant and is one of the best choices for beginners. Its fast growth, adaptability, and low maintenance requirements make it a favorite among planted tank enthusiasts.
Common Problems
Most issues with Brazilian Pennywort are related to insufficient nutrients or lighting. Yellowing leaves, slow growth, or stem deterioration can often be corrected by improving fertilization and maintaining stable water conditions. Under proper care, Brazilian Pennywort is a resilient plant that quickly recovers and continues growing.
Real Owner Experience
We've kept Brazilian Pennywort in everything from low-tech shrimp tanks to heavily planted community aquariums, and it continues to be one of the easiest plants we recommend to customers. What stands out most is how adaptable it is. We've successfully grown it planted in substrate, attached loosely to hardscape, and floating at the surface.
In our shrimp tanks, Brazilian Pennywort quickly develops long roots and dense growth that baby shrimp love to hide and graze in. It's also one of the faster plants to recover after shipping and usually begins producing new growth shortly after being added to a healthy aquarium.
One thing we've noticed is that many hobbyists underestimate how quickly this plant can grow. Under moderate lighting and regular fertilization, it can easily become one of the fastest-growing plants in the tank. Regular trimming helps keep it looking neat while providing plenty of cuttings that can be replanted throughout the aquarium.
If you're looking for a beginner-friendly aquarium plant that grows quickly, helps absorb excess nutrients, and works exceptionally well in shrimp tanks, Brazilian Pennywort is a plant we confidently recommend and continue to use in our own aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Pennywort
Is Brazilian Pennywort easy to grow?
Yes, Brazilian Pennywort is considered one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow. It adapts to a wide range of water conditions, grows quickly, and does not require CO2 injection, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Does Brazilian Pennywort need CO2?
No. Brazilian Pennywort grows very well without CO2 and is commonly used in low-tech planted aquariums. Supplemental CO2 can increase growth speed and leaf density, but it is not required for success.
How fast does Brazilian Pennywort grow?
Brazilian Pennywort is a fast-growing aquarium plant. Under good lighting and proper nutrients, it can produce significant new growth each week and may require regular trimming to keep it under control.
Can Brazilian Pennywort be grown floating?
Yes. Brazilian Pennywort can be planted in substrate or grown as a floating aquarium plant. Many shrimp keepers prefer floating growth because the roots provide excellent shelter for shrimp and fish fry.
Is Brazilian Pennywort good for shrimp tanks?
Yes. Brazilian Pennywort is highly recommended for freshwater shrimp tanks because it provides cover, increases biofilm growth, and creates a more natural environment for shrimp to forage and breed.
What fish can live with Brazilian Pennywort?
Brazilian Pennywort is suitable for virtually all peaceful freshwater community fish, including tetras, rasboras, guppies, corydoras, livebearers, bettas, and dwarf cichlids.
Why are the leaves on my Brazilian Pennywort turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are usually caused by nutrient deficiencies, inadequate lighting, or poor water quality. Regular fertilization and stable aquarium conditions typically resolve the issue.
Can Brazilian Pennywort help reduce algae?
Brazilian Pennywort may help reduce algae by rapidly absorbing excess nutrients from the water column. Its fast growth allows it to compete with nuisance algae for available nutrients.
How do you propagate Brazilian Pennywort?
Brazilian Pennywort is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Simply trim a healthy stem and replant it in the substrate or allow it to float. New roots and shoots typically develop quickly.
Where should Brazilian Pennywort be placed in an aquarium?
Brazilian Pennywort works best as a midground or background plant, but it can also be floated at the surface. Its versatile growth habit allows it to fit into a wide variety of aquascaping styles.
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