Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) – Loose

Description

Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)

A fast-growing vine-like aquarium plant with round kidney-shaped leaves, supplied loose for flexible planting, floating or weaving through hardscape.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala
  • Common names: Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine
  • Plant type: Creeping stem plant
  • Selling form: Loose
  • Placement: Midground, background or floating
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Lighting: Low to moderate
  • CO₂: Not required
  • Growth rate: Fast

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a forgiving fast-growing plant.
  • You like a trailing or floating growth habit.
  • You keep shrimp or fry that benefit from extra cover.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You do not want regular trimming.
  • You want a compact formal foreground plant.

Why choose Brazilian Pennywort?

It is adaptable, easy to propagate and visually distinctive, with rounded leaves that can be trained up hardscape or allowed to float naturally.

Benefits

  • Fast nutrient uptake.
  • Provides cover and grazing area.
  • Works planted or floating.
  • Easy propagation from stem sections with nodes.

Care made simple

  • Plant stem nodes into substrate or float the plant at the surface.
  • Trim frequently if growth becomes excessive.
  • Replant healthy cuttings to thicken the group.
  • Moderate light is enough for normal growth.
  • CO₂ is optional rather than essential.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Anubias
  • Shrimp tanks
  • Driftwood layouts
  • Low-tech community aquariums
NTA Insight:
This plant is widely sold under the trade name Giant Cardamine, but the botanical identity used for this product is Hydrocotyle leucocephala. It is the same species commonly called Brazilian Pennywort.

FAQ

Can it float?

Yes. It can be grown floating or rooted into substrate.

Does it need CO₂?

No. It is well suited to low-tech aquariums.

How do I propagate it?

Cut healthy stem sections containing nodes and replant or float them.

What will I receive?

A loose portion of live Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine. Exact stem count and size naturally vary.

Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine (Hydrocotyle leucocephala) – Loose

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: P009

10 in stock  

$10.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine (Hydrocotyle leucocephala)

    A fast-growing vine-like aquarium plant with round kidney-shaped leaves, supplied loose for flexible planting, floating or weaving through hardscape.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hydrocotyle leucocephala
    • Common names: Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine
    • Plant type: Creeping stem plant
    • Selling form: Loose
    • Placement: Midground, background or floating
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Lighting: Low to moderate
    • CO₂: Not required
    • Growth rate: Fast

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a forgiving fast-growing plant.
    • You like a trailing or floating growth habit.
    • You keep shrimp or fry that benefit from extra cover.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You do not want regular trimming.
    • You want a compact formal foreground plant.

    Why choose Brazilian Pennywort?

    It is adaptable, easy to propagate and visually distinctive, with rounded leaves that can be trained up hardscape or allowed to float naturally.

    Benefits

    • Fast nutrient uptake.
    • Provides cover and grazing area.
    • Works planted or floating.
    • Easy propagation from stem sections with nodes.

    Care made simple

    • Plant stem nodes into substrate or float the plant at the surface.
    • Trim frequently if growth becomes excessive.
    • Replant healthy cuttings to thicken the group.
    • Moderate light is enough for normal growth.
    • CO₂ is optional rather than essential.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Anubias
    • Shrimp tanks
    • Driftwood layouts
    • Low-tech community aquariums
    NTA Insight:
    This plant is widely sold under the trade name Giant Cardamine, but the botanical identity used for this product is Hydrocotyle leucocephala. It is the same species commonly called Brazilian Pennywort.

    FAQ

    Can it float?

    Yes. It can be grown floating or rooted into substrate.

    Does it need CO₂?

    No. It is well suited to low-tech aquariums.

    How do I propagate it?

    Cut healthy stem sections containing nodes and replant or float them.

    What will I receive?

    A loose portion of live Brazilian Pennywort / Giant Cardamine. Exact stem count and size naturally vary.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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