Lawn marshpennywort

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, known as lawn marshpennywort, is a small creeping plant from tropical Asia and Africa that produces rounded, scalloped leaves about one to two centimetres across. It is often confused with the more widely sold Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita, but has rounder leaves without deep indentations and is noticeably more demanding in cultivation. High light is essential: without it the stems elongate and the plant fails to carpet. CO2 injection is not optional but a requirement for successful growth — the plant will not form a compact carpet without it. Under optimal conditions of strong light, injected CO2, and a steady supply of nutrients, including elevated phosphate to discourage green spot algae, H. sibthorpioides grows at a moderate pace and forms a dense, low foreground carpet. It is suitable for nano tanks as well as larger scapes, where it can be used in the foreground or midground. Propagation is by runners that travel across the substrate; cutting a runner and re-planting the segment produces a new plant. Because of its higher demands, this species is best reserved for experienced planted-tank keepers who can provide the stable high-tech conditions it needs to thrive. Under emersed cultivation it also grows well in paludariums and flooded terrariums.