Hydrocotyle verticillata

🌱 Planting

• Substrate: Plant directly into nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs are helpful since it’s a root feeder.
• Spacing: Place stems a few centimeters apart to allow creeping spread.
• Anchoring: Push roots gently into the substrate so the “umbrella” leaves sit above the surface.

💡 Lighting

• Medium to high light: Encourages compact, creeping growth and prevents the plant from stretching upward.
• Duration: 8–10 hours daily.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28 °C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water preferred.

🌿 Growth & Maintenance

• CO₂: Strongly recommended for lush, healthy growth and faster spread.
• Nutrients: Supplement with root tabs and liquid fertilizers for best results.
• Trimming: Regular trimming helps maintain a neat carpet and prevents overcrowding.

🐠 Placement

• Foreground plant: Creates a whimsical “mini lily pad lawn” effect.
• Contrast: Works beautifully alongside rocks, driftwood, or taller stem plants to add depth and texture.

⚠️ Tips

• Hydrocotyle verticillata grows moderately fast once established, so trimming is important to keep balance.
• Avoid shading it with larger plants, as consistent light is key to compact growth.
• Unlike tissue culture cups, bare-root/potted plants may carry snails or hitchhikers—rinse carefully before planting.