Hydrocotyle tripartita - Plant

Hydrocotyle tripartita, often sold as Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’, is a popular aquascaping plant originating from Southeast Asia. It is well-known for its tiny, clover-like leaves and rapid creeping growth. Under good light and CO₂, it forms a dense carpet, while in lower light it tends to grow more upright and bushy.

Hydrocotyle Tripartita is widely used as a foreground carpet or accent plant in aquarium layouts. Its leaves provide a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with grasses and stem plants. It works equally well as a creeping groundcover or a bushy midground feature. It does not need to be buried in a substrate.

Separate the plant into small clumps and plant them into the substrate or attach it to hardscape with string. It spreads via runners across the substrate and water column. Usage of CO₂ and higher lighting will encourage faster growth and a more compact carpet.

Frequent trimming will prevent overgrowth and promote side shoots. The plant has a tendency to grow long runners which can be cut back to promote bushier growth.