Marsh Pennywort
hydrocotyle vulgaris
Also known as: ["Common Pennywort","Lawn Pennywort","Shepherd's Shield"]
Overview
A low-growing, creeping perennial herb with rounded, umbrella-like leaves and small, white flowers. Native to wetlands and damp meadows in Europe and North America.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Hydrocotyle |
| Botanical Name: | Hydrocotyle vulgaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: moist, shaded garden bed or container
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; retains some moisture but not waterlogged.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat or coco coir for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; tolerates partial shade; adjust for intensity in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly, use sheer curtains for direct light, move outdoors in mild weather.
Watering
every 3–5 days
Maintain even moisture, avoid dry spells, ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, rich, loamy soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure bottom drainage, avoid compacted soil, refresh top layer annually.
Temperature
65–75°F (18–24°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid drafts or extreme fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, keep away from vents, maintain consistent room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn, feed less in winter, flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid, indirect light; protect from drafts.
Medium
Potting mix with perlite or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), water or potting mix, humidity dome (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy stems, keep cuttings upright, maintain humidity, change water if using.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, encourage bushier habit, maintain shape.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruners, disinfectant.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged leaves, sterilize tools, prune selectively, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh potting mix, trim roots if necessary, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents congestion.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, handle roots gently, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily, water evenly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry; reduce frequency in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for moisture retention, use a balanced mix for nutrients.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, may lead to root rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, avoid overwatering, use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced vigor, or drying out quickly.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, use a fan for air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHydrocotyle vulgaris is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHydrocotyle vulgaris is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHydrocotyle vulgaris is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Hydrocotyle vulgaris?
A: It can be propagated by division or by taking stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Q: Does Hydrocotyle vulgaris require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade and moist soil conditions.
Q: Is Hydrocotyle vulgaris invasive?
A: It can spread rapidly in suitable conditions but is generally not considered invasive in most regions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days |
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