Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb.
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is commonly known as whorled pennywort, marsh penny, and water pennywort. The plant is native to Asia, Africa, and Australia and it can be found in shallow ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams.
General Appearance
Hydrocotyle verticillata has small, round, and glossy green leaves that grow in whorls of three to six around the stem. The leaves are about 1 cm in diameter and are slightly cupped. The plant can grow up to 10 cm in height and has a creeping stem that can form roots at the nodes when it touches the soil or water. It has no distinct flower but produces small, white or pinkish flowers on a short stalk above the water surface, blooming from summer to early autumn.
Uses
Hydrocotyle verticillata is used for ornamental purposes in aquariums and water gardens, where its dense foliage makes it a popular choice for creating carpet-like mats at the bottom of the tank. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to be helpful in treating respiratory ailments, skin problems, and digestive issues. The plant is also useful in the prevention of erosion as its root system helps to hold soil and sand.
In conclusion, Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. is an attractive, aquatic plant that is valued for its aesthetic appeal and medicinal benefits. Its whorled foliage and creeping stem make it a favorite among aquatic plant enthusiasts and its natural attributes of preventing erosion make it useful in environmental preservation.
Light Requirements
Hydrocotyle Verticillata plants prefer to grow in moderate to bright light conditions. However, these plants can also tolerate low light conditions if necessary. It is recommended to provide 8 to 10 hours of light per day for these plants to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Hydrocotyle Verticillata plants prefer to grow in a temperature range between 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C). Temperatures above or below this range can negatively affect the growth of the plant. Additionally, these plants prefer stable temperatures and can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Hydrocotyle Verticillata plants prefer nutrient-rich and well-draining soils. These plants can grow in different types of aquarium substrates such as gravel, sand, or aqua soil. However, it is essential to ensure that the substrate is not too compact, as these plants require oxygen-rich environments. Adding root tabs can also enhance the growth of these plants.
Cultivation
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. can be grown in both submerged and emerged conditions. It is an easy plant to cultivate and is suitable for beginners. It grows best in nutrient-rich, soft water with a neutral pH.
Under submerged conditions, plant the Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. in the substrate and ensure that the crowns are not covered. For emerged conditions, plant the Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. in a soil-based substrate and place it in a shallow water area.
Watering Needs
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. prefers moist soil conditions, and it is advisable to keep the substrate moist all the time. Under submerged conditions, the water should cover the plant; otherwise, it may dry out and wither.
Fertilization
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. requires regular fertilization to thrive and grow healthily. It is crucial to add macro and micronutrients to the planted substrate. Under submerged conditions, fertilizers can be added directly to the water column.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to prevent the Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. from overtaking the aquarium or pond. This plant is known to grow quickly and spread outwards rapidly. Therefore, removing any excess growth regularly will help maintain its shape and prevent it from overrunning other plants or affecting the clarity of the water.
Propagation of Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb.
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. It is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
To divide the plant, carefully dig it up and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with several stems and roots. Plant each section in a pot or directly in the ground, making sure to keep the top of the roots at the soil surface.
Cuttings
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it to create a new plant.
To take a cutting, choose a healthy stem and cut a 2-4 inch section from it. Make sure the cutting has at least two sets of leaves and remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem. Place the cutting in a container filled with water or moist soil and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root in 2-4 weeks.
Seed
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. can also be propagated through seed. However, this method is less common as the plant does not produce seed easily.
If you do manage to get seed, plant it in a container filled with soil, covering it with a thin layer of soil. Water sparingly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. The seed should germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Disease and pest management of Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb.
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb., also known as Whorled Pennywort, is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Being a submerged plant, it can provide a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms and pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant:
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Hydrocotyle verticillata is fungal leaf spot. This disease causes small brown spots on the leaves, which can spread and merge, leading to the death of the affected leaves. To control fungal leaf spot, it is advisable to remove the affected leaves and apply a recommended fungicide. Improving the plant's growing conditions, such as providing adequate light and nutrients, can also help to prevent fungal leaf spot from appearing.
Another disease that affects Hydrocotyle verticillata is bacterial wilt. This disease causes the plant's stem to rot, resulting in the death of the whole plant. To manage bacterial wilt, it is essential to remove the infected plant parts and sterilize the tools used to avoid the spread of the disease. Using bacterial wilt-resistant varieties and improving the growing conditions can also help to prevent bacterial wilt.
Pests
Hydrocotyle verticillata is prone to pests such as snails, aphids, and mites. Snails can cause damage by eating the leaves while aphids and mites can suck the plant sap, leading to stunted growth and deformed leaves. To control pests, it is recommended to manually remove them by picking visible snails, aphids, or mites or spraying the plant with a recommended pesticide. It is advisable to avoid using harmful pesticides that can affect beneficial insects such as bees.
Another issue with Hydrocotyle verticillata is algae growth. Although not a pest, algae can overgrow on the plant and prevent it from receiving adequate light. To control algae growth, it is advisable to limit the amount of light that reaches the plant by reducing the lighting duration, promoting water circulation, and using an algae control agent.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Hydrocotyle verticillata involves maintaining proper growing conditions, using the right tools, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Ecological methods such as integrated pest management (IPM) can be useful in controlling diseases and pests without negatively affecting other organisms in the ecosystem.
