Floating Pennywort
hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Also known as: ["American Pennywort","Marsh Pennywort"]
Overview
A fast-growing aquatic plant with rounded, succulent leaves that float on the water surface, native to North America but invasive in many regions.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Hydrocotyle |
| Botanical Name: | Hydrocotyle ranunculoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: still or slow-moving freshwater ponds, lakes, or aquariums
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–11"}
- Misting: not applicable
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with indirect light for 4–6 hours/day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or containers.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct sunlight; place in shaded areas; monitor for signs of light stress.
Watering
constantly submerged
Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Soil
not required, grows in water
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (15–25°C); sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature shifts; maintain stable cool conditions.
Fertilizing
not required
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; apply to moist soil; reduce frequency in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; easily propagated by division of runners or rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take stem cuttings with nodes.
- Place in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep medium consistently moist.
Medium
Moist potting mix or water; can root in simple water culture.
Hormone
Not typically required but can aid rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 1–2 weeks; new growth appears in 3–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; pinch tips to encourage branching; remove yellowed or dead foliage.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or overgrown stems; encourages bushier growth.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune in early morning; dispose of cuttings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with temperature.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without saturation; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Maintain consistently moist soil; water daily or as needed to prevent drying, especially in warm conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure consistent moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts below 10°C; prolonged cold can cause root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in temperatures above 30°C; growth may become stressed.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid overfertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer from mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHydrocotyle ranunculoides, commonly known as floating pennywort, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hydrocotyle ranunculoides invasive?
A: Yes, it is highly invasive in many regions and can rapidly overgrow water bodies.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial to full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Q: Can it be grown in aquariums?
A: Yes, it is sometimes used in aquariums, but care must be taken to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | constantly submerged |
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