Overview: Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond.
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Araliaceae. This plant is primarily native to South Africa and is popularly cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes.
Common Names:
The common names for Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis include the Pennywort, Cape Ivy, and Dillenius’ pennywort. The plant is fondly referred to as “Cape Ivy” due to its climbing nature and leaves’ resemblance to ivy.
Appearance:
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis is a low-growing plant that forms a tangled mass of stems, leaves, and flowers at the base. The leaves have a bright green color with a deeply lobed, scalloped pattern that resembles a clover. The leaves grow on long stalks and can grow up to 3cm in diameter.
The flowers of the plant are small with a pale yellow or white color. They grow on short stems just above the leaves and bloom in summer. The small fruits that follow the flowers are dry and papery and have a brownish color.
Uses:
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis is primarily grown for its ornamental purposes. The plant is an excellent choice for gardens and houses as it can grow as ground covers, climbing plants, and borders. The plant is easy to maintain and can grow in relatively poor soil conditions and a wide range of temperatures.
In traditional medicine, the leaves of the plant are used to treat respiratory infections, skin diseases, and other ailments. The plant’s extract is also used in cosmetics to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.
Finally, Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis is also used as a food source by some local communities. The leaves are edible, and they add a unique taste to salads, soups, and stews.
Light Requirements
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. typically grows in shaded locations; hence, it prefers low to medium light conditions to thrive. While it can tolerate some sunlight, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to damage, and it may not achieve optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers moderate temperatures to grow. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 22 and 28°C. It is important to note that temperatures below 15°C can cause the leaves to yellow and drop from the stem, while in temperatures exceeding 30°C, the plant's growth rate may slow down significantly.
Soil Requirements
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It grows best in loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil composition should have a good amount of organic matter, and it should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. can be easily cultivated in aquariums or terrariums. It is a low maintenance plant that can thrive in a range of lighting conditions from low to high. This plant can grow both submerged and emersed, and it can be anchored to driftwood or rocks using a string or glue.
Watering Needs
The Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. plant should be grown in water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a water hardness of 2-15 dGH. It requires regular watering to keep the substrate moist. The water should also be changed on a weekly basis to ensure that there is no build-up of algae or other organic matter.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to ensure that the Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. plant is healthy and thriving. This plant requires a nitrogen-based fertilizer every two weeks to promote growth and prevent the yellowing of leaves. Iron-rich fertilizers should also be added once a month to prevent the leaves from turning yellow or brown. A well-balanced fertilizer will help to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
Pruning
Pruning is important to maintain the shape and size of the Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. plant. It has a creeping growth pattern, which means that it can easily spread throughout the aquarium or terrarium. Pruning can be done by removing the unwanted or damaged leaves using sharp scissors or trimmers. This will also encourage the growth of new leaves and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Hydrocotyle Hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. Littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond.
Hydrocotyle Hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. Littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. or commonly known as Pennywort, is a great beginner's plant due to its easy propagation. The plant can be propagated through various methods such as division, runners, and stem cuttings. These methods are discussed in detail below.
Division
Division is the easiest and most common propagation method for Hydrocotyle Hermanniifolia. It is best to divide the plant during the growing season or when it reaches a reasonable size. Simply remove the plant from the substrate and gently separate the roots to create smaller sections. Each section should ideally have its own roots and shoots for it to grow successfully. The new plant sections can then be planted in a new location or substrate.
Runners
Hydrocotyle Hermanniifolia produces stolons or runners that grow out from the mother plant. These runners produce new shoots and roots that can be separated from the mother plant to become individual plants. To propagate using runners, locate the rooted sections of the runner and cut them off from the mother plant. The newly propagated plants can then be planted in a new location or substrate of your choice.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is similar to the runner method but instead of using stolons, you take cuttings of the plants' stems. Choose healthy stems that have multiple leaves and place them in water or substrate to promote root development. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shaded area to prevent wilting. Once roots form, the newly propagated plant can be planted in its desired location or substrate.
Disease Management
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. is not particularly prone to diseases; however, it can still succumb to fungal diseases and rotting.
Fungal Diseases: Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. The disease manifests as brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. In severe cases, the leaves may die and fall off. To prevent the disease, it is crucial to keep the plant dry, as the fungus thrives in damp conditions. Moreover, pruning and removing infected tissues can help control the spread of the disease. Applying fungicides can also help keep the fungus at bay.
Rot: Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. is susceptible to root rot due to overwatering or poor drainage. Overwatering deprives the plant's roots of oxygen and encourages bacteria and fungi to thrive, causing root rot. Although there is no cure for root rot, early detection and taking preventative measures can help prevent rot from spreading to other plants. To prevent root rot, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that it has well-draining soil. If the plant is already affected by root rot, you can remove the affected parts and replant the remaining sections in fresh soil.
Pest Management
Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. is also susceptible to several pests that can damage or kill the plant.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that can suck sap from the leaves and stems of Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond., causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, you can manually remove them using a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. Insecticides can also be effective but should be used with extreme caution as they can harm beneficial insects as well.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that pierce the plant's leaves and suck out the sap, causing small yellow or bronze dots on the foliage. In severe cases, the leaves may turn brown and fall off, leading to plant death. To control spider mites, you can hose down the plant with a strong spray of water or use acaricides or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the plant sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts mold. Infestations can cause leaf yellowing and dropping, as well as stunted growth. Controlling mealybugs involves applying insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide. In severe cases, pruning and removing the affected parts may be necessary.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, fast-moving insects that infest Hydrocotyle hermanniifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. var. littoralis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Sond. leaves and suck out the sap, leaving silver or white streaks. In severe infestations, the leaves may become distorted and scarred. Controlling thrips involves spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or an insecticide. Pruning and removing the affected parts may be necessary in severe cases.
