Hydrocotyle leukocephala in jar - Aquaflora

Hydrocotyle Leucocephala belongs to the Arialiaceae family, and is widespread in wet and marshy areas from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It is an easy cultivation plant, because it grows very quickly. It is rugged, unpleasant, of rapid growth. It adapts very well to large ranges of hardness and pH value, and even to poor lighting. It even seems that optimal development is obtained in a bit "polluted" waters, rich in nutrients and nitrogen compounds.

In nature it is widespread in the waters with little current, in the aquarium planted in the sand it grows rapidly to the surface of the water, where it forms the real floating pillows. Once it emerged it also flourishes very easily. It is very beautiful and characteristic for clear green rounded leaves, which contrast with other aquarium plants, and especially for its bearing, similar to a climbing screw.

The leaves of Hydrocotyle Leucocephala are rounded and grow on a stem similar to a tendril. This center is one of the easier aquarium plants and can be recommended without any reservation also to beginner aquarists in plant cultivation. It grows well in almost all the water parameters and has no high demands in terms of lighting and concentration of CO2. Also high temperatures are not really a problem, which makes it a great candidate for COCUS aquariums.
The leaves that yellow to the edges are a sure sign of iron deficiency, which can easily be remedied by adding an iron-based fertilizer. Although it behaves well in conditions not entirely optimal, it shows all its potential with sufficient light, added CO2 and a good supply of nutrients. It can also be cultivated in this case it has a creeping bearing, grows particularly strongly and produces a large number of sprouts with whose cuts can be made.

Propagation is easy, since the plant launches many side shoots that can simply be cut and replanted in the substrate. Hydrocotyle Leucocephala is a highly versatile plant that lends itself easily to giving a fine breast with wood or roots, thanks to its similar growth to a climbing screw. It can also be used as a vertical or floating growing stem plant on the surface. It goes well with almost all other plants, but is particularly good with the species of Anubias, both for the comparable needs and for the pleasant contrast between their shades, light green the hydrocotyle and dark green theAnubias.

An interesting fact is that Hydrocotyle Leucocephala is actually a edible plant. Its leaves have a bit peppered flavor and are used as spice in different countries, or even as a base for a lemonade.