Hydrocotyle verticillata aka Whorled Marsh Pennywort

Taxonomy

Hydrocotyle verticillata, also known as whorled pennywort, whorled marshpennywort or shield pennywort, is a rare flowering plant that can be found in South and North America and the West Indies. Its unique leaves and creeping habit make it a popular choice for planted aquariums as a foreground plant. This Hydrocotyle variety prefers a substrate and at least moderate light, and benefits from additional carbon dioxide. In the wild, it grows in marshy, boggy, or wet areas. As a houseplant, Whorled Pennywort needs to be placed in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It thrives in soil that retains moisture and doesn't typically need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Whorled Marsh Pennywort, Whorled Marshpennywort, Whorled Water Pennywort, Water Coin

How to care for Whorled Marsh Pennywort

Difficulty

Caring for Whorled Marsh Pennywort is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Soil

Whorled Marsh Pennywort is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Whorled Marshpennywort is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Whorled Water Pennywort with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Whorled Marsh Pennywort with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Whorled Marsh Pennywort requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Whorled Marshpennywort is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Whorled Marsh Pennywort should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Whorled Marsh Pennywort as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia